Features of a systematic environmental assessment of the agricultural landscapes in the chestnut soils arid steppe

Abstract

Most of the modern agricultural landscapes (agrolandscapes) are significantly deformed in a varying degree. The relevance of systemic assessments of agricultural landscapes lies in prompt and objective identification of their ecological state and deviations, as well as timely development of measures for restoration and preservation of ecosystems. The methodological basis of the research is presented in the works by A.N. Kashtanov, A.A. Zhuchenko, V.A. Nikolaev, V.I. Kiryushin, A.G. Isachenko, M.I. Lopyrev, N.P. Masyutenko and other scientists. The conducted research has allowed revealing a significant impact of agricultural technologies and farming systems (up to 72-78%) on the agrolandscape of the arid zone of chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. The combination of these factors can lead the agricultural objects under study to a high degree of ecological balance or, conversely, to degradation. The authors have developed the system of criteria for direct, indirect and integrated assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes of steppe and dry-steppe zones of the Volgograd region. These criteria are estimated in points from 1 to 5: 5 points (absolutely balanced), 4 points (balanced), 3 points (medium balanced), 2 points (poorly balanced), 1 point or less (unbalanced). This assessment system has been tested on real objects. When calculating the average point, object “C” had 2.3 points (poorly balanced); object “I” – 2.9 points (medium balanced); and object “U” – 3.6 points (relatively balanced). The developed system of direct, indirect and integrated assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes for the conditions of insufficient humidity allows for objective evaluation of agricultural objects in terms of their ecological balance. The system can be used as the basis for regulation of anthropogenic load on the agricultural sphere as well as for timely adoption of organizational and technological measures aimed at restoration of ecological balance in the conditions of insufficient humidity peculiar of the southern regions of the Russian Federation.