1. A type of dark, fertile soil rich in humus and minerals, found in temperate grassland regions, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Usage: plural of chernozem; technical/scientific term; also called black earth

Examples

• The chernozems of the Russian steppes are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
• Farmers prize chernozems for their high fertility and ability to retain moisture.
• The thick layer of organic matter in chernozems makes them ideal for grain cultivation.
• Climate and vegetation patterns have created extensive chernozems across Eastern Europe.
• Scientists study chernozems to understand soil formation in grassland ecosystems.