Analysis and assessment of the use of chernozems of the Kungur forest-steppe based on remote sensing data

Abstract

Based on the combined analysis of soil maps and multi-temporal satellite images of Landsat–5 and Sentinel–2, an analysis of land use within the areas of chernozem soils of the Kungur forest-steppe was carried out. The boundaries of modern lands are established: arable land, meadows and pastures without subdivision, forests and fallow lands. The assessment of changes in the structure of land use on chernozem soils over the past 30 years is given. The current trend consists in a general reduction in the area of agricultural land used, including the area of arable land on chernozem decreased from 73 to 42% of the area, hayfields and pastures – from 5 to 1%. The land removed from agricultural use occupies an area of 19.8 thousand hectares. On abandoned lands, tree and shrub vegetation develops. 65% of the area of chernozem soils is erosion-hazardous.