Soil biota as a natural resource for the restoration of degraded chernozems

The role of biota as a natural resource for the restoration of degraded chernozems of the Republic of Moldova is under discussion till nowadays. The status of biota of old-arable chernozems in conditions of the green manure applications has been evaluated statistically. Two experimental sites located in the central and southern zone of the Republic of Moldova have been tested by soil biological indicators during 2010-2012. The application of vetch as a green manure had created conditions for the improvement of the biota’s vital activity in chernozems which had been degraded as a result of a long-term arable use. The number of invertebrates increased from 48.1-55.0 to 71.6 - 78.0 ex m-2, the number of Lumbricidae family – from 25.6-38.0 to 43.3-68.0 ex m-2. The effect of green manure was manifested in the increase of share of Lumbricidae family in the total number of invertebrates by 12.1-20.8 %. The microbial biomass content in the arable layer of soils rose up in average by 1.4-1.5 times. The humification processes intensified as a result of the interaction between the fresh organic matter and the soil biota. Biological parameters did not reach the level of soils under natural vegetation. Management with the green manuring for the biota’s restoration of degraded soils and for the improvement of soil quality and environment has been recommended.