Assessment of geoecological factors and conditions affecting sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of Altai Krai

Abstract

The purpose of the study: analysis of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai and its assessment. Research methods: System analysis (landscape analysis) was used in the study of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the landscapes of the study area. The methodological basis of the study was the work of Russian and foreign scientists who at different times studied the problems of climate, soil formation, sustainable development and food security. Monographic, statistical, cartographic methods, methods of GIS technologies and modeling were used in the analysis of areas and land types of the object under study. Research results. The author's approach presented in the paper allows at the local level (land use of an agricultural organization or municipal district) to assess the impact of geoecological factors and conditions on the sustainability of an agricultural territory. On the example of a typical territory for the agrarian regions of the south of Western Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan with an area of about 3000 km2, located in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai, an assessment was made of physiographic, climatic, geomorphological, soil conditions, natural and anthropogenic factors. 11 assessment indicators were identified, which clearly showed the limiting impacts on agricultural landscapes, manifested in the territory in the form of erosion processes that reduce the efficiency of agricultural production. The established regularities of the influence of geoecological conditions and factors make it possible to differentiate the development of a complex of agro-, phytoforestry and reclamation measures aimed at achieving the ecological and economic balance of the territory and, as a result, increase the stability of agrolandscapes at the local level. Conclusions. 1. An algorithm for assessing geoecological conditions and factors at the local level of organization of agricultural land use has been determined to analyze its sustainability. 2. The assessment of the agrarian territory revealed the limiting impacts on the relief, geological structure of the area, soil condition, microclimate of the natural environment, structure, quality of land and other conditions and factors. Limiting impacts on agricultural land use are expressed in the manifestation of erosion processes, high land intensity and low environmental sustainability of the territory, which affects the efficiency of land use. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in the management of land resources at the level of a municipal district and an agricultural organization.