Spatial variability of soil properties in the floodplain of a river oasis in the Mongolian Altay Mountains

摘要: Abstract In Mongolia, recent national policy pushed for the expansion and intensification of land use crop forage production, which may adversely affect soil quality river oases. A better understanding small-scale variation properties driving factors are important developing refining site-specific agricultural management practices maintaining fertility. The current study hypothesized that spatial variability structure ancient sedimentary processes override actual caused by land-use environmental effects. objectives were (i) to determine major topsoil within an exemplary oasis in Western (ii) assess this (heterogeneity), (iii) identify heterogeneity biological properties. Within a four ha plot, 130 samples collected constant 20 m grid analyzed physico-chemical microbial was assessed descriptive statistics, semivariogram model parameters, multiple linear regression analysis. Soil parameters showed relatively high variability, particularly CaCO3-C EC (86% 163%, respectively). contrast that, both low (nugget sill ratio ≥0.67) whereas most parameter characterized moderate or strong dependency down 0.2 as biomass C) range values (down 37 m ergosterol C), respectively. This with many small patches reflected inherent floodplain, had influence on extensive Bulgan Sum Center did not lead homogenization fluvial depositions. Besides minor salinization, positive effect basal respiration, SOC determined underlines significance preserve scarce susceptible agro-ecological resources Mongolia likely similar ones across Central Asia.