 This research examined the amount of organic matter stored in the top layers of soil after 15 years of fallow vegetation. It found that 21% of the total humus reserves had been accumulated in the top layers of the soil. Additionally, it discussed the methodological aspects of soil sampling for unbiased estimates of humus reserves. This article was authored by K. G. Geniatulin, S. S. Ryazanov, E. V. Sminova, and others.