Grassland soils in the cool–arid–temperate ecozone (Steppe, grassland)

Most Mollisols–Chernozems are recognized as inherently productive and fertile soils that have formed under prairie–steppe grassland ecosystems. Their characteristics result from their formation under grassland and a cool–arid–temperate climate in the continental interiors of the northern and southern hemispheres. The effective moisture, mineral weathering, clay translocation, and secondary carbonates are the main factors that determine the environment of pedogenesis in prairie–steppe grassland regions. The distinctive characteristics of Mollisols–Chernozems are a black or dark topsoil with a large organic matter content. They have experienced major land-use change from natural grassland to intensive agriculture, which has led to a decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC) content; they are the breadbaskets of the world.