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What is chernozem soil used for on the Eurasian Steppe?

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Map showing the extent of the Eurasian steppes, highlighted in green, stretching from eastern Europe through Ukraine and southern Russia, across Kazakhstan, and into Mongolia and northern China. The map labels the Western Steppe and Eastern Steppe regions and includes major geographic features, countries, and ancient sites within the steppe zone. — the Steppe Extent of the Eurasian steppes.

On the Eurasian Steppe, chernozem—often called "black earth"—is highly valued for its exceptional natural fertility, which stems from its high humus content and low acidity.123

Because of these productive qualities, this soil is used extensively for two primary purposes:

Grain Cultivation: Large expanses of the steppe have been converted into productive agricultural land, serving as major regional granaries for the cultivation of cereals.123
Livestock Raising: The nutrient-rich soil supports the growth of abundant natural grass vegetation, making it well-suited for grazing and raising livestock.1

While these soils are among the most fertile in the world, they are susceptible to environmental challenges, including severe wind erosion during hot, dry seasons and potential soil impoverishment due to surface washout and gully erosion.3