( Ped.). A mature grassland soil of semi-arid climates, usually developed on loess, characterized by deep permeation of dark organic matter and a zone of accumulation of secondary CaCO3 beneath. The surface horizon usually has a good crumb structure. (Name derived from Russian meaning "black earth"). ( BCFT). Also spelt as Tschernosem or Tschernosiom.
Chernozem, or Black Earth (from Russian чернозём, Polish czarnoziem or other Slavic languages which means black soil), a kind of soil. This black-coloured soil contains a very high percentage of humus — 3% to 15%, rich in phosphoric acids, phosphorus and ammonia. It has a large depth, often more than 40 inches, up to 250 inches (6 metres) in Ukraine.