Soils

The diversity of physical-geographical factors, geomorphological structure, climatic conditions, and altitudinal variation of relief contributes to the formation of various soil types, corresponding to specific bio-climatic zones and landscapes.

The main soil types of the Zomin National Nature Park include:

• In the foothill zone — dark brown soils;

• In the sub-foothill zone — light brown soils;

• In the mountain forest zone — forest and sparse-forest soils;

• In the high-mountain zone — subalpine soils.

The continental environment and semi-desert climate determine the diversity of soil cover.

On northern slopes, clear zonality is observed, whereas southern slopes are drier and lack a full vertical sequence of soil zones.

Hence, northern slopes are dominated by alluvial-hydromorphic soils, while southern slopes contain alluvial-xeromorphic soils.

Biological factors, soil-forming rocks, and topographic deformations play an important role in the soil formation process.

Closer to valleys, stronger surface runoff and erosion reduce moisture and nutrients, resulting in sparse vegetation cover.

The morphological characteristics of the soils are determined by the diversity of mountain rocks, erosional processes, and hydrological activity.

Soils undergo continuous degradation, regeneration, and renewal.

After rock weathering, stable soils develop, allowing new vegetation to form.