THE ROLE OF SOILS IN URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

The ecological role of soil in urban ecosystems is under consideration . The state of the urban environment together with its composition, po ssible sources of contamination and degradation are analyzed. Changes in the environmental quality and critical loads on soils in urban ecos ystems are considered. Urban soils, urbanozems, are similar to natural ones. They play a principal role in biogeochemical cycles of elements , biochemical transformation of the cultivated layer, and formation of ground water. They support plants and other living organisms and perf orm sanitary and recreational functions.