Under consistent soil utilization and anthropogenic influence, variations occur within the genetic horizons of the soil profile. In this context, the investigations based on structural and mineralogical processes of the gray soil formation are highly pertinent in the Sabirabad region, Azerbaijan. Soil scientists are diligent with conducting in-depth studies of the soils within the republic, ensuring their proper utilization. The following study aimed to comparatively analyze the long-term mineralogical processes under anthropogenic influence and soil exploitation in the Kura and Araz lowlands, Azerbaijan. In this zone, the arable soil analysis enables the assessment of their conditions, identification of the factors involved in the formation of the mineral composition, and assessment of the variations that occur as a result of irrigation and long-term fertilizer use. The soils’ elemental composition provides valuable insights into the soil formation processes, as the land’s genetic horizons exhibited distinct variations regarding this. Irrigation of meadow-gray soils has induced disparities both in mineral composition and the structural state of soils. In these grounds, determining the chemical elements, such as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), zirconium (Zr), chromium (Cr), and bromine (Br), was successful through spectrometric analysis.
Gray soils, soil genetic horizons, anthropogenic influence, soil compaction, elemental composition, minerals, soil genesis, humus
The soils’ elemental study revealed variations in the mineralogical composition of gray soils in the Sabirabad region, Azerbaijan. Morphological and mineralogical analyses indicate clay mineral accumulation at intermediate depths, which likely contributed to the soils’ compaction. The mineralogical composition provides a solid base for using appropriate agricultural techniques, particularly under changing climate conditions.