The dynamics of soil degradation processes within the Selenga basin at the agricultural period

Abstract

The dynamics of erosion and soil deflation processes in the Russian part of the Selenga basin is considered for the period of agrarian land use in relation to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. Periods with a different directedness and intensity of the processes have been identified. It is shown that a large-scale degradation of lands within the Selenga basin was caused by massive destruction of forests in the first half of the 19th century. Special attention is centered on the disastrous manifestations of the processes associated with extreme high-intensity storm rains or with heavy droughts. Strategies are suggested for optimizing land use practices in order to avoid a further degradation of soil cover.