Mathematical model of the effective use of reclaimed lands in the South of Russia

Abstract

To assess the state of reclaimed land by purpose and intensity of use, it is necessary to fully apply the following set of indicators: the quality of irrigation water; the depth of groundwater; the salinity of underground water; the degree of salinity of the soil; leaching of the soil; the degree of soil contamination with fluoride, heavy metals and other pollutants; the composition and amount of humus; the density and structural-aggregate composition of the soil; the degree of occurrence of adverse exogenous processes. The main of the indicators is the depth of ground water, which during the growing season is considered relative to the “critical” depth, i.e. the depth at which the optimal water-air regime is determined for growing crops and preventing secondary salinization of the soil. The direction and speed of soil formation processes are also determined by the quality of irrigation water, climatic and hydrogeological conditions of the region, soil topography, natural properties, irrigation techniques and technologies. On reclaimed lands, soil degradation occurs only under certain conditions. The most common degradation processes are: rising groundwater levels; activation of geochemical processes at the local, regional and global levels. Secondary soil salinization is observed on the reclaimed lands. The desalination process is determined by the quality of irrigation water, soil properties, depth and salinity of groundwater; leaching of the soil and an increase in toxic alkalinity, pH; drainage of irrigated soils is formed due to the development of erosional, alkaline and saline processes, the presence of perennial grasses and organic fertilizers in the crop rotation. With soil salinization, the qualitative composition of humus changes, agrophysical degradation of reclaimed lands, modification of mineral soil components and increased hydrophilicity during irrigation. According to the above indicators, the full range of degraded lands in the region is unknown, since it requires regular monitoring of the reclaimed lands. Taking into account the above, studies aimed at increasing the efficiency of the use of reclaimed lands in the South of Russia is an urgent problem.