Why the area of degraded soils and desertification is increasing in the Volga delta

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Authors

  • Anna Fedotova Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, Russia
  • Lyudmila Yakovleva Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, Russia
  • Ekaterina Maslova Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, Russia
  • Arstan Utaliev Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, Russia

Keywords:

soil degradation, desertification, deflation, salinization, plant communities, pasture digression, dust storms, Volga Delta, Caspian Sea

Abstract

The article discusses the causes of increasing areas of degraded soils and desertification in the Volga delta, as well as the more frequent occurrence of natural hazards in the form of dust storms. Significant attention is paid to the causes and characteristics of zonal soil degradation in typical delta landscapes. Key areas of zonal soil complexes (ZSC) with visible changes in soil cover (lack of vegetation, changes in salinity, degradation) were under study. It is shown that regular systemic changes related to natural and anthropogenic factors occur in the soil cover. The main mechanisms of soil degradation have been identified: destruction, surface layer deflation, halohydrogenic transformation. A protective shrub shelterbelt and perennial grasses are recommended.

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Published

2022-10-09

Issue

No. 002 (2022): "The Caspian in the Digital Age" within the framework of the International Scientific Forum "Caspian 2021: Ways of Sustainable Development"

Section

Articles