Digital modeling in the study of agricultural land degradation processes

Background. This article discusses the problem of soil degradation from flooding and waterlogging. The analysis of the influence of these factors on the quality of land resources and agricultural productivity is given. As a solution, it is proposed to use digital surface modeling and other methods aimed at preventing erosion and improving soil condition. The article may be useful for scientists and specialists in the field of land reclamation and agronomy

Purpose. Objective of the study to explore numerical modeling in the study of agricultural land degradation processes.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the Dinsky district of the Krasnodar Territory, which belongs to the steppe zone. This area is characterized by significant humidification (from moderate to severe), relatively warm winters, short spring, hot summers, and long warm autumn. The annual rainfall in recent decades has increased to 643 mm, including 370 mm for the warm period (April – October) and 273 mm for the cold period (November – March).

Results. A feature of the territory has been determined, which is weak slopes and depressions of the terrain, in which even small obstacles to surface and ground runoff in wet years can lead to waterlogging of soils. Closed relief depressions (saucers) were formed due to subsidence of soils under the influence of natural moisture. Due to the high porosity and significant carbonate content, loess-like rocks of the irrigation site are predisposed to subsidence phenomena that occur during irrigation or during waterlogging of rocks. The territory is in the initial stage of degradation caused by flooding and waterlogging of the land. Land degradation is caused by natural and anthropogenic factors, where anthropogenic factors are more strongly influenced.

Conclusion. For intensive use of the studied territory (which is represented by meadow-chernozem leached weakly developed soils) in agricultural production, it is necessary to: carry out reclamation work on drainage (reducing the level of high water) by installing tubular periodic drainage in irrigation fields with the withdrawal of excess water into drainage channels that are located parallel to the irrigation fields; construction of absorption wells in the centers of low-lying areas of fields with upstream and outlet through drainage pipes into drainage channels that are located parallel to irrigation fields; to improve water permeability and aeration, eliminate the plow sole and reduce the density of the humus horizon of meadow-chernozem leached weakly silted soils, use chisels or deep dredges once every 2-3 years; change the composition of crop rotation by increasing the proportion of legumes crops; application of organic matter to the fields in the amount of 8-10 t/ha for 5 years.