<![CDATA[This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the agrochemical, physicochemical, and ecological properties of soils within the Tavrida Art Cluster (Kapsel Bay catchment, Southeastern Crimea). The research was based on field descriptions of soil profiles and laboratory analyses of 19 samples collected from several depth intervals in November 2024. Key fertility indicators were determined, including pH in water suspension, organic matter content, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, particle?size distribution, and salinity level. The soils were found to be characterised by alkaline pH (7.5-8.4), extremely low nitrate nitrogen (below the detection limit in 89.5% of samples), acute available phosphorus deficiency (63.2% of samples ?1.5?mg/100?g), and low organic matter content (75% of samples <3.0%). The heavy texture, with a physical clay fraction of 45-75%, exacerbates these adverse properties. An original integrated fertility index (IFI) was developed for a comprehensive evaluation; its mean value was 1.58 out of 5.0, indicating extremely low agricultural potential. The observed properties are shown to represent the natural geochemical background formed on carbonate parent materials under an arid climate, rather than being a consequence of anthropogenic degradation. A strategy for adaptive landscaping is proposed, based on targeted soil amelioration, selection of native xerophytes, and preservation of the territory’s natural ecological framework.]]>
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