Soil erosion degradation of Ukraine under the impact of climate change

Abstract

Uncontrolled and intensive development of erosion process increases the risk of soil surface degradation and desertification in the agricultural landscapes. Climate change amplifies the frequency of extreme rainfalls, which reduce the erosion resistance of agricultural landscapes, especially the agricultural systems with row crops. The risk of erosion soil degradation due to the increased frequency of extremedaily rainfall was estimated. The current rate of year soil loss, caused by water erosion, was estimated using USLE model, and forecast for 2045 was simulated in the case study in typical Ukrainian agricultural landscapes of forest-steppe zone within Kanivskyi and Myronivskyi districts. It is confirmed, that in areas where the soil protection measures are not taken, a significant intensification of erosion processes is predicted as a result of exposure to extreme weather conditions. The measures to adapt to climate change through the implementing a system of erosion control measures on river basin principles and integrated management of land, water, biological and agrarian resources are suggested