OPTIMIZATION OF THE LAND USE STRUCTURE OF THE POLTVA RIVER BASIN

Abstract

Ensuring the ecological sustainability of the territory is possible in the case of the optimal ratio of different types of lands. In particular, it is important to have sufficient areas of eco-stabilizing lands (forests, meadows, protected areas, etc.). Of great importance are the features of land use in coastal areas, areas with high steep slopes and areas with soils susceptible to degradation. Ecologically sustainable land use can reduce the risk of soil degradation processes, provide an optimal microclimate, good hydrological conditions and promote the protection of small rivers.
 To provide recommendations for improving the structure of land use in the Poltva river basin, a map of optimization of the structure of land use using the ArсGIS 10.0 program was drawn up. For this purpose, a map of slope steepness was constructed, an interpretation of space images was made to compile a map of land use structure and a map of the soil cover was digitized. As a result of the analysis of the map of land use structure the peculiarities of the ratio of types of lands in different parts of the studied territory by integral indicators are determined. The coefficients of anthropogenic load, ecological stability of land use, ecological stability of landscapes, ecological balance and others are calculated. Areas with different degrees of anthropogenic transformation of lands are identified. The relationship between the peculiarities of natural conditions (geological structure, relief, soil cover) and land use of the territory is analyzed.
 As a result of overlapping maps of slope steepness, soil cover and land use, areas with different risk of soil degradation processes and plowed coastal areas were identified. The map of land use structure optimization is compiled according to the method of allocation of ecological and technological groups of lands. According to this technique, lands are differentiated by the steepness of the slopes.
 The proposed optimization of land use involves the use of phytomeliorative and agrotechnical measures: plowing across the slope, soil-protective crop rotations, the creation of forest belts, land conservation, etc. Recommended optimization measures include the withdrawal from agricultural cultivation of peatlands, steep slopes, floodplains, hollows, coastal protection zones of rivers and streams. The implementation of the proposed optimization measures will reduce plowing, increase the share of eco-stabilizing lands and improve the integral indicators characterizing the ratio of different types of lands. A compiled map of land use structure optimization can be used for land management and environmental activities.
 Key words: anthropogenic load, land use, ecological and technological groups of lands, river basin, optimization, Bug river.