Impact of agriculture on lands placed close to mining facilities within the Oskol river basin

Abstract

The article summarises data received during personal long-term field research and results obtained by means of comprehensive analyses of spatial and statistical databases on agricultural development and open-pit mining within the Oskol river basin from 2005 to 2021. This territory occupies Gubkinsky and Starooskolsky districts of Belgorod Oblast. It was determined that impact coming directly from iron-ore extraction strengthens loads on the environment, especially on agricultural lands situated near the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly. Lands placed close to the Oskol river basin response differently on agricultural activity and open-pit mining that leads to occurring of different levels of the environmental tension. It was identified that the most vulnerable agricultural lands with a “high” level of the environmental tension are placed close to the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly facilities. Territories with a “low” level of the environmental tension lie on the periphery of the studied area. Lands with a “mean” level of the environmental tension are situated between lands of “high” and “low” agricultural loads. These patterns should be taken into account during implementation of land remediation programs. Both the location of agricultural and mining facilities, as well as action of negative natural factors have to be considered equally.