The impact of reindeer grazing on soil chemical properties on the Yamal Peninsula (Western Siberia, Russia)

The central part of the Yamal Peninsula (Western Siberia, Russia) serves as a migration route for the world's largest reindeer herds. To assess the impact of grazing on soil composition, three study sites representing different levels of disturbance (low, medium, and high) were established. Soil samples were collected from two layers: the surface layer (0–5 cm) and the subsurface layer (5–15 cm). The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, mineral composition, organic matter (OM) content, total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN). The availability of plant nutrients, including nitrate and ammonium nitrogen, exchangeable potassium, and mobile phosphorus, and essential trace metals, was also determined. Under the influence of grazing, soils become drier, and their fertility decreases. The contents of OM, TOC, TN, NO 3 − -N and NH 4 + -N decrease proportionally to the degree of disturbance. The input of nitrogen compounds via reindeer excreta does not compensate for nitrogen losses caused by grazing and trampling of vegetation. A deficiency of essential elements (Cu, Co, Mo, and Zn) necessary for the normal development of vascular plants was identified. The process of meadow formation, typically observed in reindeer pastures, proceeds at a slower rate in the studied area. The data obtained indicate the importance of analyzing soil composition for predicting vegetation recovery in reindeer pastures.