Natural Territorial Complexes Research Articles

Seasonal states and carbon dynamics in key areas of the carbon polygon in the Chechen Republic, Russia

The aim of the work was to analyze the relationship between carbon dynamics and changes in the states of natural territorial complexes in two key areas of the carbon polygon in the Chechen Republic from the standpoint of landscape and landscape‐geophysical approaches. The work was carried out at two sites of the carbon polygon in the Chechen Republic: in Chernorechye (the Chechen plain under water‐protective broad‐leaved forests, about 169 m above sea level) and Roshni‐Chu (low‐ mountain broad‐leaved forests, about 450 m above sea level).Methods: landscape‐geophysical description of geomasses, geohorizons and vertical structures in key areas, detailed microclimatic studies using installed loggers with temperature and humidity sensors, observations of the state of the vegetation cover, biomass dynamics, determination of mortmass fractions on the soil surface, as well as humus and basic nutrients.The relationship between carbon dynamics and changes in seasonal states of natural‐territorial complexes is expressed in changes in landscape‐ geophysical parameters: the ratio of geomasses, geohorizons and vertical structures. Seven seasonal states of natural‐territorial complexes with different carbon dynamics have been identified. Two of them are key to understanding the long‐term carbon balance. These states are determined by the dynamics of accumulation and decomposition of mortmass. The ways of changing the intensity of carbon deposition based on the creation of new phytocenoses, increasing soil fertility, including by optimising the carbon and nitrogen ratio have been identified. A more radical way – mortmass utilisation – requires detailed research and consideration of environmental consequences.

ОЦЕНКА СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ЛАНДШАФТНОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ ЗАПАДНО-КАЗАХСТАНСКОГО РЕГИОНА

The article presents an assessment of the modern landscape structure of the Western Kazakhstan region, based on the developed map of modern landscapes, made at a scale of 1:1 500,000. Based on the assessment, it was established that in the landscape structure of the entire region, the largest areas are occupied by landscape types of elevated stratal plains (17.8 % of the region’s area) and structural plateaus (14.6 %). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of landscape structure and assessment of dynamic trends in landscape transformation made it possible to establish that within the steppe and dry-steppe zones of the studied region, anthropogenically transformed natural-territorial complexes (NTC) take place in almost all identified types of landscapes and occupy 51.2 and 42.6 % of the NTC area in ​​these zones. Within the natural complexes of semi-arid and arid natural zones, 29.9 and 23.2 % of their area are anthropogenically transformed. On the basis of the regional assessment of the modern landscape structure, environmental standards for anthropogenic loads and approaches to organizing a system of rational environmental management, aimed at the sustainable functioning of natural and economic systems, are developed.

Ландшафтно-экологическое территориальное зонирование (на материалах Акмолинской области)

Introduction. Modern human activities in nature are subject to increasing regulation and restrictions, which should be reflected in systems for the use of natural resources, primarily in agricultural production. The problem under consideration is of particular relevance for the regions of Northern Kazakhstan, since the natural landscapes of the region have been radically changed and transformed into natural and agricultural complexes with a disturbed landscape-ecological balance.From the point of view of modern natural science, the organization of the rational use of rural areas should be solved by applying a concept based on the landscape-ecological approach. The purpose of the study. Territorial zoning of the agricultural landscape to optimize the use of agricultural land based on the landscape-ecological approach. Research methods. Cartographic materials used as the basis for the creation of diagrams and design developments, obtained on the basis of data from the virtual information system of the land cadastre of the Republic of Kazakhstan and processed using the ArcGIS program. Research results. Based on materials from the steppe zone of the Akmola region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an analysis of landscape conditions and ecological stability of agricultural landscape systems was carried out. Analysis of territorial landscape zoning allowed us to conclude that the predominant part of the field landscapes of the steppe eons of this region is occupied by natural-territorial complexes of watershed spaces and watershed slopes, and the most common form of relief is slope surfaces. Ecological zoning of agricultural landscapes in the Akmola region revealed that the most common agricultural landscapes are characterized by weak stability and unstable agricultural landscapes. The article proposes a methodology for territorial zoning of agricultural lands on a landscape-ecological basis in the conditions of the Akmola region. It includes the following procedure: drawing up a landscape map. identification of homogeneous ecological zones; agrolandscape microzoning. As a result of research at the research object, a scheme of territorial landscape-ecological zoning for land use of agricultural formations was compiled, which is based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes and the degree of their anthropogenic transformation. At the same time, relatively homogeneous landscape-ecological microzones were identified, within which the elementary landscapes of the steppe catena were differentiated according to measures that stabilize the stability of the agricultural landscape. Conclusions. 1. On the territory of the Akmola region, natural landscapes have been transformed into agricultural production modifications. with a low degree of sustainability, requiring measures to maintain landscape-ecological balance. 2. The methodology for territorial zoning of steppe agricultural landscapes should be based on taking into account the paradynamic landscape structure of steppe landscapes, i.e. its catenary device. 3. Application of the results of territorial landscape-ecological zoning in design developments for the use and protection of land will allow the selection of optimal directions that ensure the sustainability of agricultural landscapes.

Study of the variability of natural-territorial complexes of the Taz peninsula based on multispectral and radar space survey data

Study of the variability of natural-territorial complexes of the Taz peninsula based on multispectral and radar space survey data

Федеральные особо охраняемые природные территории Алтайского края: современное состояние и перспективы развития

Одна из важнейших глобальных проблем современности — сохранение природной среды. Гарантией эффективного сохранения природно-территориальных комплексов региона является создание сети особо охраняемых природных территорий (ООПТ), которая обладает репрезентативностью по отношению к ландшафтному и биологическому разнообразию. Также известно, что более строгий режим охраны, который характерен для заповедников и национальных парков, способствует успешной реализации задач охраны природы. В статье рассмотрено современное состояние ООПТ федерального значения Алтайского края — Государственного природного заповедника «Тигирекский» и Национального парка «Салаир», а также перспективы создания проектируемого Национального парка «Горная Колывань». Показано, что действующие и проектируемая федеральные ООПТ в крае располагаются только лишь в его горной части, а природные комплексы равнинной части края, которые также обладают большой природоохранной ценностью, охраняются лишь режимами заказников и памятников природы регионального значения. Площадь федеральных ООПТ за последнее время в крае увеличена с 0,25 до 1,5 % от площади региона, что является одним из самых низких показателей по регионам Сибирского Федерального округа. Создание Национального парка «Горная Колывань» играет большую роль в сохранении природного разнообразияи историко-культурного наследия Северо-Западного Алтая, позволяет объединить разрозненные региональные ООПТ в единое целое на организационном уровне. В случае создания данной ООПТ и придания охранной зоне заповедника федерального статуса доля федеральных охраняемых территорий возрастет до 2,5 % от площади края.

ТАБИҒИ ОРТАНЫҢ ҒАЛАМДЫҚ ӨЗГЕРІСТЕРІ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДАҒЫ ФИЗИКАЛЫҚ-ГЕОГРАФИЯЛЫҚ ЗЕРТТЕУЛЕРДІҢ МАҢЫЗДЫЛЫҒЫ

The article reviews complex field studies, which are fundamental research methods in the physical-geographical direction of «Sciences of the Earth and the Environment». Component-by-component field study and description of natural-territorial complexes using the “Key Areas” method along the route, compiling a landscape profile, spatio-temporal analytics on digital platforms Ventusky and EOS, creating a database – are presented based on the results of a comprehensive long study by the authors of the geosystems of the Sharyn River basin located in Almaty areas. Methodological principles and approaches are analyzed in the field period of research and in the period of cameral processing. These questions are a practical confirmation of general theoretical knowledge about the structural organization, development, functional dynamics and variability of natural-territorial complexes. Physical and geographical studies acquire great scientific and practical relevance in the context of the influence of global changes in the natural environment at the regional level. The modern applied value of field studies of natural-territorial complexes, including hard-to-reach geosystems, is analyzed, the effectiveness of which is to study the structure, dynamics and variability in time and space, using the possibilities of digital technologies, ensuring the reliability of the results.

Цитогенетическая характеристика видов рода Chironomus группы ‘‘plumosus’’ (Diptera, Chironomidae) природно-территориальных комплексов Уральского региона

The polytene chromosomes of the cells of the salivary glands of the larvae of Ch. plumosus L. 1758, Ch. entis Shobanov 1989, Ch. borokensis Kerkis et al. 1988 and Ch. curabilis Beljanina et al. 1990 from 20 reservoirs of six natural-territorial complexes of the Ural region were studied. On the basis of a cytotaxonomic study, it was established that natural complexes differ from each other in the species composition of the “plumosus” group, the ratio (in %) between species and, certain parameters of cytogenetic variability of Ch. plumosus, Ch. entis and Ch. borokensis. Comparative analysis revealed differences between groups of natural complexes. A significantly lower frequency of occurrence of sequence of chromosome disks pluA1.2 was found within the Ural plain-mountainous country (Western foothill and Middle Ural low-mountain regions) compared with natural complexes on the eastern slopes of the Southern Urals and the West Siberian Plain at the junction with the Ural mountain range. Populations of Ch. plumosus of the Ural plain-mountain country have lower cytogenetic distances between themselves compared to populations of Ch. plumosus on the eastern slopes of the Southern Urals and the West Siberian Plain at the junction with the Ural Mountain Range. With respect to Ch. entis, these territories differ from each other in the absence of sequence of chromosome disks entА1.2 within the Ural plain-mountain country. According to cytogenetic distances, the populations of Ch. entis on the eastern slopes of the Southern Urals and the West Siberian Plain country at the junction with the Ural Mountain Range differ more from the population of Ch. entis of the Ural plain-mountain country than among themselves. In the north-south direction, it is necessary to indicate a significantly lower frequency of occurrence of sequence of chromosome disks borB1.2 within the Ural plain-mountain country (Eastern Podgorny region) relative to a natural complex with a more southern location within the West Siberian Plain country (Tura Plain region). For Ch. borokensis the interpopulation cytogenetic distances were calculated for the first time (0.0128±0.0017). Differences in this indicator between the natural complexes of the Ural region have not been established.

Как совместить охрану природы и рекреационную деятельность в Арк­тике: пример природного парка «Териберка» (Мурманская область)

The authors give ecological arguments for the creation of the Teriberka Nature Park (2,418.5 ha). The Nature Park is characterized by high recreational potential as well as environmental significance. 18 species of plants and animals listed in the Red Data Book of the Murmansk Region, as well as five ones listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation are recorded within the boundaries of the Natural Park. There are natural-territorial complexes of special aesthetic value here: the valley of the Teriberka River, the coast of the Barents Sea with a rugged coastline, beaches and sea terraces formed by large rounded boulders, Batareisky Waterfall, rocky hills and areas of shrub tundra, interspersed with small lakes, sheer cliffs with colonies sea birds, a number of historical and archaeological sites. Currently, the landscapes of lower reaches of the Teriberka River are experiencing a strong human impact. An important feature of the territory is easy transport accessibility for tourists. At present, the uncontrolled tourist flow is the most significant agent of the territory transformation, as a result of which landscapes with high aesthetic qualities begin to degrade. With the creation of a natural park, the intensity and coverage of human disturbances of landscapes will be reduced, and the existing aesthetic potential of landscapes will be used more efficiently. Land use planning has been developed in order to establish a differentiated regime of special protection. The nature protection areas are intended to preserve the environment in its natural state, and the recreational zone is intended to ensure and implement recreational activities and nature-educational tourism. In order to preserve the landscape and architectural unity of the village and the natural park, regulation has been introduced for the construction of new and reconstructed buildings in accordance with the historical environment.

Populations structure and role of Hedysarum grandiflorum in the spatial organization of plant communities of petrophyte steppes

Comprehensive monitoring and assessment of the state of vegetation cover of Samara Trans-Volga show that steppe landscapes are the most vulnerable, and areas of petrophytic steppes. Rare species include Hedysarum grandiflorum Pall. This species is protected in the territory of Russia. Structural features of cenopopopulations were studied in more than 50 natural-territorial complexes. The number of individuals in populations of specific locations is usually sufficient to make a comprehensive assessment of the species at different levels of organization (organismal, population, species, and phytocoenotic). The study of cenopopopulations was carried out in 1998-2020. During the field studies, we used the method of laying test sites (stationary plots). Data on the spatial distribution of individuals were processed in the R environment (version 3.3.2) using the SPATSTAT package. The intensity of the location of individuals of the studied species was estimated using the Gaussian kernel function with boundary correction. Most of the H. grandiflorum populations known to us are (or have already been) degraded or even critical due to irrational economic exploitation of natural complexes. The random type of placement of individuals indicates favorable habitat conditions for the studied species at stationary plots. Perhaps, some tendency of pregenerative individuals to cluster is due to the mosaic location of sites suitable for seed germination (small depressions with sufficient moisture, areas not occupied by vegetation, formed under the action of exogenous factors).

Climate as a factor in the modern relief formation of the northeastern macroslope of Chornohora

Purpose. To analyze climatic indicators that cause the formation and development of a wide range of geomorphological processes, including dangerous or catastrophic ones. Methods. Statistical, system analysis. Results. The research was based on the analysis of a number of climatic indicators (amount and intensity of precipitation, air and soil temperature, thickness of snow cover and water reserves in it) of the Pozhyzhevska snow avalanche station and the Laboratory of Landscape Monitoring of the Chornohora Geographical Station of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, which represent different oroclimatic zones.As a result of the study, the climatic indicators influencing the formation of modern relief processes of the northeastern slope of Chornohora were mainly established, and their heterogeneity in the different natural territorial complexes was characterized. Particular attention is paid to the processes of physical weathering, which are quite widespread and form the material for the further development of erosion and gravity processes. Their development is determined by significant temperature amplitudes and temperature transitions through 0°C. It has been established that an the Chornohora Geographical Station, daily air temperature amplitudes above 10°C are characteristic of 2/3 of the days of the warm period, above 15°C - on a third of the days, above 20°C in some cases, with a maximum value of 25.2°C. The daily amplitudes of temperature on the open soil surface above 20°C were recorded on half of the days of the warm period with repeated exceeding of 30°C. With depth, these indicators in the soil are smoothed out, but are still noticeable at a depth of 20 cm. The transition of the air temperature through 0°C (also one of the factors of defluxation) to the Chornohora Geographical Station was recorded on average on 98 days per year (including 38 in the snowless period). The amount and intensity of precipitation affecting the development of erosion processes, the formation of floods, mudflows, avalanches, and indirectly landslides and landslides. Conclusions. It has been found that the main climatic indicators that cause the formation and development of various geomorphological processes are precipitation, temperature, and snow cover thickness.

The influence of the geographical features of Kyrgyzstan on the choice of types of recreational activities (A case study: issyk-kul region)

Economic impact is a stimulating effect on the economic condition of various regions. The paper describes the influence of the structure of the object on the choice of recreational activities, taking into account the sensitivity of the mountain structure to anthropogenic impact. Determined the value of the initial values of the applications of sociological research, which used to calculate the natural-territorial complexes - these are water bodies located on the territory with identified orographic structures, surrounded by forests, taking into account possible options for recreation. Evaluated of the assessment and comfort of the recreational area, based on the identification of psychophysiological characteristics, such as the sensation of noise, thermal effects of the environment. The development of recreation centers associated with the demand for recreationists, which also determined by the level of development and material base. Studies on the study of the Issyk-Kul region that the geographical characteristics of the territory (relief, water bodies, climate, etc.) have not only attractiveness, but inhibitory factors for rare types of recreational activities.

Innovative Ecotourism Product Development Based on the Use of Geographic Information Technologies


 
 
 The tourist product is a specific product that has a number of features such as in- separability from the source of formation, complexity, insensitivity, impossibility of storage and warehousing of the tourist product. These features should be taken into account when developing an ecotourism product, as it is a specific integrated product provided in the natural environment, considering regional characteristics, local culture, gastronomic events and caring for the environment. The role of the relevance, timeliness of the information provided on a particular tourist product is growing. Ecological tourism has features, as the objects of tourist activity are little-visited natural-territorial complexes, characterized by a certain spatial distribution in the territory. It requires the use of geographic information technologies, remote sensing systems, global positioning in order to organize tourism facilities, which determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the significance of creating innovative ecotourism products based on the use of modeling systems and modern technologies, including geoinformation, determining the value of ecotourism and the study of competitive advantages for tourism enterprises which enable them to make a profit from the provision of ecotourism services. The research methodology involves statistical methods of data processing, cartographic research methods using geoinformation technologies, the method of spatial analysis, as well as systemic, general scientific and informational approaches. The importance of ecological tourism is proved on the basis of the analysis of its basic values, advantages and opportunities. Proposals to improve the situation in the ecotourism services market have been developed. Offers of ecotourism products are suggested on the basis of detailed typology (division into cognitive, recreational, business, cultural, educational groups of ecological tourism). Prospects for the use of geographic information technologies in the development of innovative ecotourism products are studied. For the first time, the authors have developed the geoportal model of Zhytomyr district ecolocations , which lists the main possible locations for the devel- opment of ecological tourism The authors have conducted a survey of Zhytomyr region residents after the implementation of the first stage of the decentralization reform in 2014 – 2019 and segmented the interests of potential ecotourists. Potential sources of income for protected areas and other ecotourism participants are identified. The concept of ecological tourism development is formed.
 
 

Current State of Permafrost Landscapes of the Prilensky Plateau

The article presents the results of studying the structure of permafrost landscapes in the area of discontinuous distribution of permafrost soils in large-scale mapping. The actual material was collected by the authors in the course of research and field work on the Power of Siberia project. Maps of terrain types, types of vegetation and a permafrost-landscape map of the key area "Mezhalasie" were compiled. Natural territorial complexes in the area of survey were systematized. The features of the permafrost landscapes distribution were studied, their differentiation was carried out, and the area of icy soils distribution was calculated.

Natural Environment and Landscape Energy of Western Georgia

The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as in the optimization of the environment. The resource potential, on the other hand, greatly depends on the balance of substance and energy exchange in the natural resources, i.e. the energy of the landscape. In this case, one of the important things is to study the functioning of natural-territorial complexes (NTC). Through it, it is possible and relatively easy to explain, model and, most importantly, predict many complex processes taking place in NTC, including the role of landscape energy balance in increasing the productivity and yield of agro-landscapes, which was the first attempt to research this problem in Georgia.

Analysis of the implementation of the National project “Housing and Urban Environment” of the Tobolsk city

With large-scale urbanization of natural-territorial complexes there are a number of ecological, social and economic problems associated with increasing the density of urban development, reducing the level of urban improvement, increasing air pollution, water basins and urban soils; flooding, waterlogging, etc.; dilapidated housing; accumulation of household waste; loss of vegetation cover and, ultimately, reduced comfort of the urban population. In this regard, the authors of the article propose methods of developing tools for the implementation of the strategy of sustainable development of the city of Tobolsk with its approbation in a number directions, factors and indicators.

Geoecological conditions of oil and gas fields of the unallocated subsoil fund of the southern industrial zone of the Yamal Peninsula

The paper presents the results of geoecological studies on the territory of the Rostovtsevsky and Nurminskoye deposits. It has been established that during the exploration work in the period from 1985 to 1995, the landscapes of the southern industrial zone of the Yamal Peninsula were subjected to significant anthropogenic impact. Subsequently, self-restoration of natural-territorial complexes in the area of drilling sites practically did not occur. There is a significant landscape-ecological difference from the background territories.

Hydrological and morphological features and geoecological condition of the territories of the plains area of the Kuma River valley and their significance in the system of civilizational development of the Central Pre‐Caucasus in the 18<sup>th</sup>–21<sup>st</sup> centuries

Aim. In this work, the main aim was a retrospective analysis of the geo‐ecological state and problems of natural territorial complexes (NTC) of the valley of the plains area of the Kuma River in the context of hydrological and morphological dynamics for the period from the 18th century to the present.Material and Methods. The paper analyses the state of the landscape’s natural components in the region, for which topographic, sectoral and cadastral maps, digital relief model, satellite images were used. Openly available data of ministries, departments, archival and stock materials were used. The degree of anthropogenic transformation of the natural‐territorial complexes was calculated based on the coefficient of ecological stability of landscapes.Result. Using the example of the plains area of the Kuma River for the period of the 18th‐21st centuries, the geo‐ecological features of valley NTC were analysed. Studies have shown that at the present stage meandering remains an important condition for land use in the Kuma River valley in terms of both agricultural land and residential areas. Cartographic schemes of land use of a modelled plot in the valley of the Kuma River were constructed, allowing the assessment of the efficiency of the economic use of the fields of oxbow lakes.Conclusion. For the last two hundred years, valley NTC have remained significant for settlement purposes and related economic activities. The modern meandering belt together with the fields of the older such features create special environment forming conditions for the functioning of the stabilising components of the landscape, floodplain forest being a basic integral factor in the preservation of regional biodiversity. It is recommended that when organising the sustainable use of the land resources of river valleys for the purposes of territorial planning, the regional features of placement of meanders and oxbow lakes be taken into account.

Landscape Principles of Optimization of Functional Zoning of «Hutsulshchyna» National Nature Park


 
 
 The main purpose of the study is to optimize the functional zoning of the «Hut- sulshchyna» National Nature Park on the basis of a landscape approach. To begin with, a map-scheme of modern functional zoning in the ArcGIS 10.0 software environment was digitized, and analysis and mathematical calculations were performed. On the basis of a pre-concluded landscape map at the level of simple tracts in the scale of 1:25 000, on the key area Brusnyi, according to the method of field landscaping of H.P. Miller’s mountain areas, we have optimized in detail the functional zoning of the park in a key area. Some changes have been made regarding zoning in other areas of the National Park, only less detailed, as the compilation of a landscape map of the local level for the entire territory of NEC «Hutsulshchyna», which is a very long and complex process. In addition to the landscape approach, according to which the boundaries of functional zones must coincide with the boundaries of natural territorial complexes of a certain rank, we tried to take into account the Law of Ukraine «On Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine» and «Nature Chronicle Program for National Parks of Ukraine». Ideally, the protected area should be in the middle, surrounded wth a zone of regulated recreation, and only then the economic zone. The protected area should not border the economic one. According to the IUCN, the protected area and the regulated recreation zone must occupy at least 75% of protected area, but often in practice these requirements are difficult or even impossible, as each protected area has its own geographical features. Since the park is located in a hilly area, the economic zone should not be allocated on the ridges and upper parts of the slopes, because the effects of anthropogenic impact in the economic zone will be more or less manifested in the protected area, which is at the lower hypsometric level. Analyzing the functional zoning in the key area of Brusnyi, it was found out that in addition to the geographical location of the zones, the areas of the functional zones have also changed significantly. Thus, the protected area was 15.1%, and became 25.1%, regulated recreation – 34.2%-41.9%, stationary recreation area – 0.01%-0%, economic zone – 51.1%-33%. The advantage of the proposed zoning is the complexity, which makes it possible to protect fully and completely and use rationally the natural territorial complexes of the Pokut Carpathians. After all, natural complexes are a system, and it is known that in the system, when one component is destroyed, the whole system is destroyed. For the first time, on the basis of a landscape map at a scale of 1:25 000 at the level of simple tracts, proposals were submitted that will improve the existing functional zoning of the territory of NEC «Hutsulshchyna». The results of research can be used by the adminis- tration of NEC «Hutsulshchyna» in the development of re-functional zoning during the creation of a new project organization of NEC «Hutsulshchyna», the Department of Nature Protection, Research, and the Department of Recreation and Landscaping.
 
 

Territorial zoning of agricultural land on ecological and landscape basis

Aim – to analyze methodological approaches to the functional zoning of the territory of agro-businesses on a landscape-ecological basis in the steppe zone of Kazakhstan for the purposes of land management. Methods – monographic, settlement-constructive, grouping, graphic modeling. Results – relevant problems of greening the land use of the republic, which needs to update the design methodology for the use and protection of agricultural land, taking into account the criteria for environmental protection, are shown. Typical objects are selected – agribusinesses of the steppe landscape zone, in which studies were carried out. An analysis of the resources of this area is given, ecological stability of agricultural landscape, an important component of which is erosion processes, is determined. Maps have been developed that characterize landscape and ecological features of a given area and are the basis for territorial zoning: a landscape hypothesis map with identification of elementary natural territorial complexes, a map of ecological stability of the territory and a map of the functional zoning of the area. The principles of agri-relief planning are justified, including the unification of morphological structural units of the landscape into a single land types in terms of ecological state and expediency of using land types with implementation of appropriate measures for each ecological landscape group. An experimental project has been developed in which a territorial organization is made on the example of economic entities of agricultural specialization in the steppe zone on ecological landscape substance. Conclusions – the basis for development of land management projects for agricultural structures should be a scientifically based system of organizational and economic measures for reconstruction of land area of agricultural enterprises on a landscape basis, which implies the design of environmentally sustainable and costeffective forms of land management.

The structure of natural landscapes and its role in the development of the landscape zoning scheme of Belarus

The article presents the results of systematisation and mapping of the natural landscapes of Belarus, which domestic researchers have been engaged since the 1960s. During this time, considerable cartographic and literary material concerning the peculiarities of distribution, a set of classification units and zoning units, approaches to their allocation and mapping has been accumulated. However, the appearance at the beginning of the 21st century of new research methods along with the possibility of using modern technologies determined the need to refine and detail many cartographic landscape developments. At the same period (2006–2015), a series of 1 : 500 000 scale wall-mounted physical and geographical maps was created in Belarus and updated information was obtained about the features of the territorial distribution of a number of components of nature. The appearance of such information, along with the available data of remote sensing of the Earth and the possibility of application of geoinformation technologies, also allowed the development of new, detailed versions of maps of natural landscapes, both for institutions of higher and general secondary education using 6 classification units. One of them – map for institutions of higher education on a scale of 1: 500 000 – served as the basis for the analysis and identification of patterns of spatial distribution of natural territorial complexes in the rank of subtypes, groups of genera, genera and species of landscapes. An increase in the number of main classification units was found – genera (from 20 to 22) and species (from 105 to 107) – within the 2 subtypes, as well as a significant change in their area, boundaries and features of spatial distribution. The obtained results served as a basis for clarifying the distribution of regional complexes, which led to the compilation of a new version of the landscape zoning scheme. It was revealed that the number of provinces remained the same, their borders were clarified (the areas changed within 1–5 %) and names. The number of landscape districts has decreased from 56 to 53, their borders, areas and names have changed significantly.