ESTIMATION OF POSSIBLE DIRECTION OF THE USE OF CUT-AWAY USYAZH PEATLAND (MINSK REGION)

Abstract

Bogs play an important role in biosphere sustainability ensuring. During the development of a peatland for peat extract, significant changes occur in the bog ecosystem: a decrease in groundwater level, vegetation cover destruction, a decrease in peat deposit surface, animals migration, etc. These anthropogenic transformations lead to disruption of all biospheric functions inherent to a bog only in a natural state.
 As a result of the research, the general ecological situation of Logoisk district of Minsk region was analyzed, a number of developed peat deposits, reclaimed areas, as well as environmental objects of the region were estimated, and, taking into account the geomorphological and hydrological features of the bog and qualitative characteristics of remaining peat deposit, the further more rational direction of the developed section use of the peat deposit was determined. It has been established that the subsequent agricultural use of the worked-out area of Usyazh peatland is futile and, over time, leads to irreversible environmental and economic consequences.
 It is recommended after the end of the peat deposit exploitation: to carry out the procedure of changing the direction of its use to nature protection in accordance to the current legislation; to develop the remaining layer of peat deposits to maximum possible depth and take measures for environmental rehabilitation. The nature conservation direction of the use of the rehabilitated territory will lead to the restoration of the biosphere and natural and economic functions of the bog, as well as stabilization of the ecological situation in Logoisk district.