Changes in selected properties of Calcic Chernozem due to cultivation of Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus robur

Abstract The results of a comprehensive study on the particle size distribution, soil organic matter (SOM) content, and plant-available water in Calcic Chernozem are presented, along with the impact of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Quercus robur L. plantations on these indicators. The study revealed that Calcic Chernozem under steppe vegetation and Q. robur plantation exhibited a silty clay loam texture. However, under the influence of R. pseudoacacia plantation, the chernozem’s texture transformed into loam. The planting of R. pseudoacacia resulted in a noticeable decrease in SOM content, while the growth of Q. robur plantations led to an increase in SOM content. Furthermore, both R. pseudoacacia and Q. robur plantations contributed to an increased content of plant-available water in the 0–20 cm layer of chernozem. These findings highlight the more pronounced effect of R. pseudoacacia plantation on the particle size distribution, SOM content, and plant-available water in Calcic Chernozem compared to Q. robur plantation.