The estimation of meadow chernozem soils degradation in the Terek River valley in Kabardino-Balkaria

Abstract

On “Kabardino-Balkaria Research Institute’s of Agriculture” lands studied temporary dynamics (1956, 1987, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015 years) of physico-chemical properties of Meadow-Chernozem soils, most common in the valley of the Terekriver within Kabarda sloping plains. It is shown that by 2015 all soils on this territory were under three types of degradation processes, differed by the degree of intensity and area coverage. Throughout the study area we can see processes of strong soil dehumification, locally - middle degree of agricultural depletionand a low degree of overpacking. It was determined the level of ecological and economic damage from land degradation and evaluated if it had to be eliminated. It is shown that accounting of ecosystem services in this evaluation could affect the decision in favor of the restoration of soils up to a standard state.