A COMPARATIVE-ASSESSMENT OF SOILS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PRODUCTIONOF CO2

The rate of CO2 production by the soils of the Serpukhov raion (an are a of about 1200 km(2)) is studied. Approximately 68% of the soil cover of the region is characterized by a relatively low rate of CO2 emissi on because of the slow mineralization of organic matter (3.5-10.5 mg C O2/kg of soil per 24 h). These values of mineralization of organic mat ter are typical for areas under intensive cultivation. Forest soils ar e characterized by a higher mineralization: from 17.5 to 24.5 mg CO2/k g of soil per 24 h. It is demonstrated that the activity of CO2 produc tion by soil depends upon the agricultural management of the soil, sea son, soil moisture (its shortage), moisture retention capacity, and bi omass of soil microorganisms.