M.Zolzaya-MSSJ_19.pdf

An important prerequisite to sustainable soil management is a good understanding of soil morphological, physical and chemical characteristics. Until now, very limited data are available on the characteristics of high mountain soils in the Mongolia. Thus, this study is conducted to determine the morpho-physical and chemical characteristics of high mountain soils in eastern Khangai. Mountain soils play a major role in the functioning and conservation of unique ecosystems and the hydrology of mountain belts. High mountain soils are soils with a beginning of soil formation, therefore the horizon differentiation is weak. However very high carbon stocks and sequestration rates can be found in this Khangai mountain area. High mountain soils are developed in medium and fine-textured materials derived from a wide range of rocks, mostly in colluvial deposits. Another specific characteristics is very cold temperatures which are defined as containing permafrost within one meters of the soil surface.