Dynamics of the Lower Volga region agricultural landscapes under the influence of climate change

Abstract

The Lower Volga region soil cover underwent changes during the Late Holocene as a result of the natural and anthropogenic factors influence. Changes in climatic conditions and soil-forming processes were imposed on the settlements construction and agricultural use of land in the XVIII century and on the organization of reservoirs on the Volga-river in the XX century. The medieval climatic optimum was characterized by humid soil formation conditions in the steppe and dry steppe zones, which contributed to the flourishing of the Golden Horde settlements, the desalinization of steppe soils and favored agriculture. The small Ice Age that began from the XVI century led to the decline of settlements and negative soil processes. The soils and cultural layers of the settlements of the Volga Germans who occupied these territories in the XVIII century are characterized by an increase in morphological signs of salinity and the content of carbonates and sodium. In addition, due to climate change and the effects of deforestation, soil erosion has intensified. Slope and landslide processes intensified as a result of the construction of reservoirs on Volga in the XX century. It led to increased degradation of soils, settlements and rural landscapes of the Volga right bank.