pre-soviet Union (before 1917)
In the early days of Russian history, the people primarily lived off their land. Most farmers were peasants. With vastly differing climates in different areas, farmers had to adapt to their local ecosystems to viably produce goods.
One such ecosystem is called the black-earth belt (shown to the right), or chernozem in Russian. Grains thrive in this belt because of its rich soil. Traditionally, rye, oats, and wheat were grown in this area. Other areas outside the chernozem could not sustain grain production, so farmers in those other areas bred livestock, grew vegetables, and other industrial crops. Other common crops were potatoes, sunflowers, and beets. |
Map showing the chernozem region
http://www.rusnature.info/geo/f4-4.jpg |