Soil degradation in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine: causes, consequences, and measures for prevention

Abstract

The article gives scientific substantiation for the ways of reducing the level of degradation and restoring soil fertility. Methodological basis of scientific investigation is made up of the modern methods of research: historical, systematic, statistical analysis. The importance of the problem of soil conservation for Ukraine and all countries of the world is confirmed by international and domestic law. Was analyzed the current state of soils and the efficiency of their use in the world and Ukraine and especially in Kherson region, the most difficult region in terms of natural and climatic conditions. The authors investigated the influence of climate change of the steppe zone on cropping capacity and agricultural productivity under the condition of the prevention of processes of soil degradation and desertification. Natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the processes of soil degradation and desertification have been identified and it has been proved that one of the causes of soil degradation is their natural aridity, which is accompanied by a scarcity of rainfall, negative water balance, and specific soil forming processes. The article gives the substantiated ways of soil conservation and the example of the practical application of research results in State Enterprise “Research Farm “Askaniyske” of the Institute of Irrigated Farming NAAS. The authors have scientifically substantiated the optimal ratio of humus level and gross energy content in dark chestnut soils of the region and have determined that one of the important requirements to ensure a deficit-free humus balance and keeping its content at the level of 2.5–3.5% under irrigation, is to ensure the ratio of crops in crop rotations of the southern steppe. The developed ways of soil conservation will prevent the degradation, ensure a deficit-free humus balance, increase the agricultural productivity of irrigated lands, improve the ecological condition of cultivated land, and solve an important state task – to ensure food security as part of Ukraine’s national security. The article also proves that scientific researches on the definition of features of soil forming processes and development of measures for soil conservation, accumulation and rational use of soil moisture, optimization of level of plough-disturbance of tilled areas and adaptation of farming system and irrigated farming to a new agri-environmental situation related to the global climate change remain very important.