The articles in this publication analyze the causes of intensive overmoistening of dry and irrigated soil in steppe and forest-steppe zones in the European part of Russia. Authors demonstrate a role of natural and anthropogenic factors causing degradation of the best soil in the country, i.e. black leached soil, typical and common. Particular attention is paid to changes in soil properties and regimes when exposed to secondary transformation processes and sulfate reduction. Potential changes in mineralogical content of black soil that lead to modification of montmorillonite content are shown. 

The publication also focuses on agro-ecological and agro-melioration problems, as well as on issues related to chemical and phyto-reclamation optimization of degraded soil fertility in the south of Russia.