Air temperature, precipitation and agronomy in steppe zone of the Southern Urals

Abstract

The climate and changes in air temperature and precipitation in the Southern Urals for 134 years according to the Hydrometeorological Service are considered. An increase in the average annual air temperature by 0.0185 °C per year was revealed-from + 3.2 °C at the beginning of the study period to + 5.7 °C in 2020 and a decrease in average annual precipitation by 24 mm-up to 353 mm by 2020. An increase in air temperature occurred mainly in October-March by 3.2 °C, and a decrease in atmospheric precipitation in May-July by 15% to 104 mm, which significantly changed the conditions for natural biocenoses and agricultural practices. An increase in air temperature and a decrease in atmospheric precipitation enhances the aridization of the climate of the steppes of the Southern Urals and shifts the northern and southern borders of the steppe zone to higher latitudes. Appropriate adaptation of the pasture regime and haymaking in steppe biocenoses and rainfed farming is necessary. Winter sowing of grain crops of spring sowing in frozen ground with snow cover up to 10-15 cm is proposed. Under a stable snow cover, their seeds retain their germination and, with its melting, germinate in spring at freezing temperatures. The development of plants is provided with moisture at favorable temperatures in April-May. Podwinter crops of grain crops are more resistant to droughts and increase productivity by 1.5-2 times in comparison with spring crops.