The effect of the degree of gypsification on the general physical properties of irrigated meadow-saz soils of Central Fergana

Abstract

The article analyzes the general physical properties of irrigated meadow-saz soils distributed in Central Fergana and their variation depending on the degree of gypsification. Three groups of soils were considered: non-gypsiferous, weakly gypsiferous and moderately gypsiferous soils. A total of 26 soil horizons were statistically evaluated using specific mass, bulk density and total porosity data. Mean values, minimum and maximum values, and standard deviations were calculated for each group. Pearson correlation analysis was used to characterize the relationship between bulk density and total porosity. A very strong negative correlation was obtained between bulk density and total porosity across all 26 observations (r = -0.988). However, this relationship should be interpreted cautiously because bulk density is directly incorporated into the mathematical equation used to calculate total porosity.