Natural landscapes as a factor in the effective development of agriculture in the North Caucasus, Russia

Abstract

Aim . Assessment of natural landscapes of the North Caucasus in order to increase the efficiency of their use for agriculture on the basis of modern updated data. Material and Methods . Research on the assessment of the state of natural landscapes was carried out by modern methods, including remote sensing using systemic, analytical and comparative geographical analysis methodologies. Results . In agricultural terms, the use of semi ‐ desert landscapes is limited because a lack of moisture. Accordingly, they are most suitable as pastures (especially in winter), haymaking, and also for the cultivation of melons. Agriculturally flat and hilly warm ‐ temperate and moderate semi ‐ arid landscapes are the most favorable landscapes for crop production: the main form of use of these landscapes is as arable land. Lowland temperate semi ‐ humid landscapes, which are widespread in the North Caucasus foothills, are also quite favorable for agricultural production. Conclusion . We have established that in order to increase the efficiency of use of landscapes of the North Caucasus, high‐quality zoning is necessary with the subsequent development of agro‐reclamation measures.