Fact #33
1/4 of all chernozem reserves on the planet are concentrated on the territory of Ukraine.
Black soils occupy about 60% of the territory in Ukraine (about 25% in the world), almost all of the forest-steppe (except for the western parts) and steppe zones.
Five subtypes of chernozems are widespread in Ukraine, depending on climate conditions, characteristics of soil-forming rocks, and vegetation. In the forest-steppe zone, the subtype of typical chernozems with 6-9% humus, the largest thickness (up to 1.5 m) and the highest fertility prevails.
The subtype of ordinary chernozems is widespread in the northern part of the steppe of Ukraine; they have average values of capacity (60 — 75 cm) and humus content (4 — 6%). The lowest percentage of humus (3 — 4%) is characteristic of southern chernozems.
Black earth soils, when used correctly, give the highest yield of many agricultural crops. Crop yields are high with sufficient humidity.
Fact #34
Ukraine is among the three world leaders in honey production.
The first frame beehive was invented in Ukraine in 1814 by Petro Prokopovich. In recent years, Ukraine has confidently maintained its place in the top three world leaders in honey production.
Ahead of European countries in terms of honey production by several times, Ukraine is at the same time the first in the world in terms of honey production per capita (1.5 kg). Also, Ukraine is among the seven leading producers of vegetable oil, captopla, sugar and pork.
Fact #35
There is a tree in Ukraine that is 1350 years old.
Nature never ceases to amaze us with its beauty and antiquity. In the north of the Rivne region, in the Yuzefin tract between the villages of Glynne and Berezove of the Rokytniv district, the oldest tree of Ukraine grows – a 1,350-year-old oak, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
At a height of 20 meters, the girth of the oak trunk is more than 8 meters, so only five people can hug it.
For the ancestors of Ukrainians, the oak served as a temple, and therefore was considered a sacred tree, a mediator between the worlds. It was near the oaks that pagan rituals and ascension to the gods were performed. The Polish people still consider it their talisman and firmly believe in its extraordinary power.
According to the legends of local residents, Yuzefinsky oak has been called “Prince Igor’s oak” since ancient times. Its difficult and ancient age is evidenced by its trunk, which has become similar to an ancient ruin, blown by winds, enriched with boards, battered by lightnings of long ages.
Since ancient times, local women have embroidered oak leaves on the shirts of small children, which were supposed to protect them from evil spirits. Oak leaves were placed in baby cradles. Beds, furniture and other household utensils were made from oak wood, which was considered an eternal material.