Electrophysical characteristics and dielectric constant of soils of northern natural forests of Ukrainian steppe zone

Currently in soil science the search for new methods and technologies for soil research is relevant, which in a short time allows to receive a large amount of information about its condition with the lowest financial cost. Methods for determining electrophysical parameters and dielectric constant of soils are conforming to these requirements. As a result of the investigations, it was found that the upper horizons of the soils of Glubokiy ravine, located in the Ukrainian steppe zone (Novomoskovsk district, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine), differ to lower values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant compared to the lower horizons. The upper horizons are characterized by increased values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity compared with the lower horizons. Sudden changes in the values of all investigated parameters at the boundary of the eluvial and illuvial horizons were found in Luvic phaeozem of northern exposition of ravine and in Luvic gleyic phaeozem of thalweg. In the Luvic phaeozem of the forest northern exposure of the ravine and in the Luvic gleyic phaeozem of the leveled area of the ravine, sharp changes were found in the values of all the investigated parameters at the boundary of the eluvial and illuvial horizons. In the eluvial horizons of Luvic phaeozem, which bordering on the illuvial horizons, a sharp increase in the dielectric constant is observed. The upper horizons of Calcic chernozem of the northern ravine exposition are characterized by increased values of electrical resistance, electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, as well as lower values of mineralization and salinity compared to the upper horizons of Calcic chernozem of the southern ravine exposition. The upper horizons of the Luvic phaeozem of the forest north exposition of the ravine are characterized by higher values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant compared to the upper horizons of the Luvic phaeozem of the forest south exposition of the ravine. In terms of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity, Luvic phaeozems practically don’t differ. The upper horizons of Luvic phaeozems are characterized by lower values of electrical resistance and dielectric constant, as well as higher values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity compared to Calcic chernozems. The results obtained indicate that the highest content of organic matter and water-soluble compounds, as well as the best structurally-aggregate composition, and also the best structural-aggregate composition is characteristic of forest chernozem. This is due to the one that formed on the southern exposition of the ravine and which is characterized by the lowest values of dielectric constant and electrical resistance, as well as the highest values of electrical conductivity, mineralization and salinity.