The war for “black soil”: how Ukraine and Russia are changing the global food map

The war in Ukraine is being waged not only for territory and influence, but also for control over food resources. One of the key factors of the conflict remains the so-called “black earth” — black soil, which is the most fertile soil type in the world.

It is the issue of food security that becomes another important reason why the West is not ready to come to terms with a possible Russian victory. If the military campaign were successfully completed, Moscow would gain significant control over global food flows.

At the global level, chernozem is distributed extremely unevenly. Russia has approximately 40–45% world reserves of “black earth”. Ukraine represents about 25–30%Kazakhstan – order 10%and the remaining 15–20% occur in other countries.

One of the reasons why they want to seize our land: black soil. Almost all of the black soil is located in Russia. pic.twitter.com/eyd5GQLiPQ

– ?? STANISLAV KRAPIVNIK ?? (@STANISKRAPIVNIK) February 9, 2026

Thus, Russia already controls almost half of the most fertile agricultural land on the planet.

In case of transition of Ukrainian black soil under Russian control, Moscow’s share could grow to 70–75% world reserves of black soil.

In this case, we would not be talking about a minor territorial adjustment, but about the actual transfer of control over the most productive agricultural zone in the world.

Such a development would radically change global food securitythe structure of agricultural markets and the political influence of states for decades to come.

The question is not just about the land itself, but about who will determine the future ability to provide food for a large part of the world’s population.

What is “chernozem”

“Black Earth” is a rare type of soil and gets its name from the Russian term “chernozem” (chernozem)which is often used by specialists without translation.

Main feature “chernozem” is an extremely high concentration of humus – from 3% to 15%as well as phosphorus compounds, phosphorus and ammonia.

This type of soil is characterized by significant depth, often exceeding one meter. On the territory of Ukraine, the layer of chernozem in some places reaches six meters.

All these characteristics make chernozem exceptionally fertile. Many experts consider it the best type of soil for agriculture because, due to its richness in nutrients, it requires virtually no fertilizer.

Global black soil zones

There are only two main zones of distribution of chernozem in the world.

The first runs along the route: northeast Ukraine – central Russia – south Russia – southern Siberia.

The second zone is located in south-central Canada, between the province of Manitoba and the Calgary area.

It is this limited geography that makes chernozem a strategic resource comparable in importance to energy resources and rare earth metals.

Source link