To the problem of studying the effects of degradation and hazardous natural processes in agricultural lands of Russia

Under discussion are the results of systematization and comprehensive analysis of different literature sources containing the information on degradation and dangerous natural processes at the Asian territory of the Russian Federation. The degradation and adverse natural processes are divided into 3 groups according to their hazard extent: (a) processes oriented to destroy the soils and lands, (b) processes changing the soil cover pattern and leading to degradation of soils and decreasing their fertility; (c) processes deteriorating the land productivity. The assessment is given to show the distribution and dangerous occurrence of degradation and adverse natural processes in the Asian part of Russia (gully erosion, destruction of seashores and banks of water bodies, changes in river channels and floodplains, underground flood, heavy rainfall, flooding). The distribution and dangerous manifestation of adverse processes are highly varying at the studied territory in dependence on peculiar natural-climatic conditions. The paper presents the plans to continue such studies at the territory of European Russia in 1916 and their further development at the total country’s territory within the framework of the project “Transformation, evolution and degradation of soils due to agrogenesis and global climate changes”. The solution of the problem envisaged by this project is of primary importance in order to solve the social-economic tasks and objectives facing the country as well as to strengthen the Institute’s position as a leading centre in the given field of soil science.

An assessment system of natural and anthropogenic effects on changes

Under consideration are the calculation results obtained by means of the soil and agro-climatic index PAKI to estimate natural-anthropogenic positive and adverse effects on the soil fertility. The assessment of positive effects is exemplified by liming of soils in the southern taiga zone, whereas the assessment of adverse effects is considered with special reference to water erosion and soil washout in the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Such a methodological approach provides comparative spatially orientated information and allows assessing the soil quality rating scores for arable lands, thus showing (1) the efficiency of soil liming and (2) the degree of adverse effects exerted by water erosion on the soil fertility. The application of PAKI index meets demands of soil management and permits to forecast the transformation of soil resources, changes in the soil cover pattern, and soil productivity. It may serve as a background for land taxation.

Soil toposequence under man-planted vegetation in the Krkonoše Mts., Czech Republic

Mountainous areas represent regions with specific soil cover pattern that is naturally given by an altitudinal gradient. The objective of our study was to describe the soil cover development on the altitudinal gradient under changed environment given by man-planted vegetation and acidification. The studied area is characterized by spruce monoculture planting that replaced the original broadleaf natural vegetation and high load of anthropic acidification. The common hypothesis considering the sequence of Dystric Cambisol-Entic Podzol-Haplic Podzol with increasing altitude was not proved. The results of our study indicate that the influence of spruce vegetation causes the occurrence of Haplic Podzols at low altitudes where the natural soil formation does not induce their development. Results showed that the vegetation type can overrule other altitude-related soil-forming factors. The conversion of natural broadleaf and mixed forests to spruce monocultures leads to the expansion of podzolization process to lower altitudes.