During the exploitation of oil fields, the fertile topsoil layer has undergone significant degradation. As a result, mechanical disturbance of the soil surface and the loss of vegetation cover on productive lands are widely observed. These soils have been contaminated to varying degrees by oil-derived wastes.

A portion of the oil mass remains on the soil surface, forming a persistent coating, while another fraction infiltrates the soil profile to different depths. Addressing the stress imposed on the soil–plant system of the Absheron Peninsula requires, first and foremost, the identification and assessment of technogenically induced disturbances, as well as the determination of the genetic characteristics and the physical, physicochemical, and sanitary–hygienic parameters of these soils.

The morphogenetic characteristics of oil-contaminated soils in the peninsula have been investigated at different times. Based on studies conducted in the territories of Binagadi, Sabunchu, Surakhani, and Azizbayov districts, a soil fertility model has been developed for heavily, moderately, and slightly contaminated soils. The proportion of oil-derived pollutants causing contamination constitutes 26.0–20.0% in heavily contaminated areas, 18.0–16.4% in moderately contaminated areas, and 13.0–10.6% in slightly contaminated soils.