The aim of the research is to determine the degree of susceptibility for degradation processes in soils of Mugano-Salyanskiy massif in Azerbaijan Republic. Research results have shown that quantity of humus in soils affected by degradation in small degree is 1.35–0.21 %, nitrogen content – 0.18–0.02 %, carbonate – 6.53–4.08 %, pH – 8.60–8.51. At the fields used as winter pastures, these indicators vary in the range of 1.00–0.09 %, 0.09–0.04 %, 8.70–12.80 %, 8.68–8.82 respectively. At the territories influenced by degradation in medium degree, the indicators vary 1.16–0.75 %; 0.11–0.08 %; 10.77–26.97 %; 8.40–8.96 and 1.29–0.26 %; 0.12–0.05 %; 7.89–22.62 %; 8.35–8.76 respectively. In soils affected by severe degradation, the content of humus, nitrogen, carbonate and pH varies in the range of 0.75–0.31 %; 0.08–0.05 %; 6.74–15.90 %; 8.23–9.01 and 0.72–0.31 %; 0.08–0.05 %; 6.74–19.07 %; 8.35–8.76. Depending on the type of agricultural land usage the indicators were respectively under crops – 0.43–0.31 %; 0.04–0.03 %; 8.53–12.71 %; 9.02–9.20, at winter pastures – 0.55–0,32 %; 0.05–0.03 %; 10.50–14.30 %; 9.00–9.12. Composed by research results, the map of soil degradation in Mugano-Salyanskiy massif gave an idea about the degree of degradation, types of degradation, limiting factors, and belonging to the specific type or subtype of soils. While composing the map of degradation, the classification by M. P. Babaev was used. It was found that for high crop yield at degraded soils the implementation of crop rotation system and strict observance of agrotechnology are required. Application of organic and mineral fertilizers including micronutrients is recommended considering the degree of soil development, using local fertilizers, composted wastes and bottom deposits.
Keywords: salinization, alkalinization, soil texture, humus, nutritional elements, degree of susceptibility for degradation.
