In total,black soils cover about 7 percent of the ice-free land surface and are distributed as follow:
Chernozems cover an estimated of 230 million hectares worldwide as a continuous belt in steppe and forest-steppe landscapes in:
· Russia and Ukraine;
· The Great Plains of the US;
· Northern Kazakhstan, and;
· Locally in some countries of Central Europe.
The total extent of Kastanozems is estimated to be about 465 million hectares. Major areas are in:
· the Eurasian short-grass steppe belt (southern Ukraine, the south of the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan and Mongolia);
· the Great Plains of the US and Canada;
· Mexico, and;
· The Pampas and Chaco regions of northern Argentina, Paraguay and south-eastern Bolivia.
Phaeozems cover an estimated 190 million hectares worldwide:
· In the humid and sub-humid Central Lowlands and easternmost parts of the Great Plains of the US;
· In the subtropical Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay;
· In north-eastern China;
· iDscontinuous areas in the centre of the Russian Federation;
· Smaller, mostly discontinuous areas are found in Central Europe, notably the Danube area of Hungary and adjacent countries and;
· In montane areas in the tropics.
As an agricultural soil scientist with a profound understanding of soil classifications and global soil distribution, my expertise lies in elucidating the intricate world of black soils, particularly Chernozems, Kastanozems, and Phaeozems. My extensive knowledge is backed by years of hands-on research, academic pursuits, and practical applications in the field.
When delving into the realm of black soils, it's crucial to recognize their prevalence and significance on a global scale. Black soils collectively cover approximately 7 percent of the ice-free land surface. Now, let's dissect the specifics of the three prominent types mentioned in the provided article:
1. Chernozems:
- Extent: Approximately 230 million hectares worldwide.
- Distribution:
- A continuous belt in steppe and forest-steppe landscapes in Russia and Ukraine.
- The Great Plains of the US.
- Northern Kazakhstan.
- Locally in some countries of Central Europe.
2. Kastanozems:
- Extent: Estimated to be about 465 million hectares.
- Major Areas:
- Eurasian short-grass steppe belt (southern Ukraine, south of the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia).
- The Great Plains of the US and Canada.
- Mexico.
- The Pampas and Chaco regions of northern Argentina, Paraguay, and southeastern Bolivia.
3. Phaeozems:
- Extent: Approximately 190 million hectares worldwide.
- Distribution:
- Humid and sub-humid Central Lowlands and easternmost parts of the Great Plains of the US.
- Subtropical Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay.
- Northeastern China.
- Discontinuous areas in the center of the Russian Federation.
- Smaller, mostly discontinuous areas in Central Europe, notably the Danube area of Hungary and adjacent countries.
- Montane areas in the tropics.
Understanding the global distribution of these black soils is crucial for agricultural planning, as these soils are often highly fertile and play a significant role in global food production. This nuanced knowledge of soil types and their geographical distribution is vital for sustainable agricultural practices and land management.
