Eco-Biological Features of Mountain Gray-Brown Soils Development in the Karabakh Steppe (Republic of Azerbaijan)

The soils discussed in this article are widespread in the dry subtropical steppe and semi-desert zones.The primary objective of our research is a comprehensive study of the key, dominant biological indicators (phytomass, invertebrate composition, microbial abundance, total humus content), as well as some physicochemical soil properties.The comprehensive study covered both natural (virgin soil) and cultivated (alfalfa agrocenoses) biotopes.The results were systematically analyzed to clarify possible differentially developing cenotic relationships between individual biotope indicators.This approach allows us to approach the development of mountain gray-brown soils not only from the perspective of classical soil genetics, but also from the perspective of developing ecosystems in the dry subtropical steppe zone where these soils are found.For the first time for Karabakh steppe (Republic of Azerbaijan) where studied relationships between plant diversity and soil (Topsoil, Subsoil and Deepsoil) properties like qCO2, carbon use efficiency, SOC, soil carbonate, Electrical Conductivity, Soil pH, enzyme activities, Vegetation length.A new result of the study was the relationship between plant diversity depending on the carbonate content and organic matter of the soil.The current unsatisfactory state of the natural environment in many regions of the Karabakh necessitates the organization of ecological and biological research, which should be based on an assessment of the state of the environment and a forecast of the development of natural ecosystems during their further economic development.