On the Formation of Ecologically Balanced Agrolandscapes in the Dry-steppe Zone of Chestnut Soils

Abstract

Background: Intensive agricultural technologies without proper scientific support violate the existing natural balance, both in landscapes and in agricultural landscapes and lead to soil degradation and often to desertification of large areas. Research in areas of insufficient moisture, the most environmentally vulnerable due to the growth of anthropogenic load and the use of unbalanced agricultural technologies, are very relevant. Methods: This study assessed the ecological balance of three agrolandscapes in the dry-steppe zone of chestnut soils of Volgograd region (objects “Ch”, “I” and “U”) formed under the influence of direct seeding, classical (mouldboard) and combined agricultural technologies. Result: As a result of the research the system of direct, indirect and integrated assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes for conditions of insufficient moisture was developed. The average score of object “Ch” had 2.3 points, which corresponds to weak balance, object “I” - 2.9 points or medium balance and object “U” - 3.6 points or relatively balanced agrolandscape. The results show that the formation of ecologically balanced agrolandscapes in the dry-steppe zone should be carried out according to specific developed parameters-requirements.