Anatoli have you read?
AN OPERATIONAL LEVEL ANALYSIS OF SOVIET ARMORED
FORMATIONS IN THE DELIBERATE DEFENSE IN THE BATTLE
OF KURSK, 1943 by CHARLES L. CROW
Here is an extract you may find interesting:
The terrain rises gradually to the north, favoring the defender. The roads throughout the salient were typical unimproved Russian tracks which quickly became quagmires following heavy rains. Dense corn fields impeded observation and direct fire.
Numerous streams throughout the bulge, particularly in the south, stymied movement of armored units. Swampy terrain to the south was prevalent along stream beds and played an important part in the movement of German armored reserves. Large ridges throughout the salient facilitated the movement of massed armored formations, despite the limitations of the adjacent low areas. Although not ideal tank terrain, it was adequate for both attacker and defender.
July in Russia is "hot and sultry" and heat took its toll on assault formations. Although the rainfall is not heavy in the summer, sudden cloudbursts adversely affected the movements of mechanized units. Until the rain settled the dust, large clouds surrounded armor columns, making undetected moves difficult.
The Red Amy was a master in the use of cover, concealment and camouflage. Superb use of deception and camouflage techniques enabled the Soviets to surprise the Germans throughout the battle by making instinctive use of the terrain to such an extent that detection of positions was impossible until the Russians opened fire. 32 Even in desolate plateau areas, the Soviets exercised superior use of 1imited cover and concealment.
