THE FACTOR OF DEGRADATION AND DIRECTIONS FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SOILS OF THE SOUTH STEPHEN OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article presents the results of perennial investigations in the field of causes of degradation anddesertification of the irrigated soils of Southern Steppe of Ukraine, scientifically substantiated measuresdirected to decrease of degradation and reconstruction of the soils fertility. The methodological basis ofthe investigations is made up by the modern methods of scientific research: historical, system analysisand approach, economic, statistical, and graphical methods. The natural and anthropogenic factors ofinfluence on the processes of degradation and desertification of the soils are determined. It was proved thatone of the causes of degradation is their natural dryness, which is accompanied by lack of precipitation,negative water balance, and connected with it specific process of soil formation. The measures of the soilfertility conservation are substantiated. The example of practical use of the results of the investigationsin State Enterprise Research Farm «Askaniiske» of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture of the NAAS isgiven. The developed measures of the soils fertility conservation allow to prevent their degradation, providethe non-deficient balance of humus, increase the efficiency of agricultural activity on the irrigatedlands, improve ecological state of agricultural landscapes, and solve an important state task of providingfood safety as a component of the national safety of Ukraine.