Dynamics of desertification of arid ecosystems of Kizlyar pastures

Abstract

The authors conducted research to identify the sources of formation of sand massifs, which then become the main cause of desertification of the territories of Kizlyar pastures, in order to carry out protective measures. In the article, the authors present materials confirming desertification and its ecological aspects. The ecological state of arid territories of Russia is one of the most acute problems that requires constant monitoring. Global changes in climatic conditions have a significant impact on the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, including the soil cover. With the warming of the climate, the development of the processes of wind erosion and soil salinization increases. As a result, the pastures of Kizlyar were driven into extreme conditions. Pastures have come to an extremely critical state, and the degree of degradation of damage caused by these processes is much higher than other regions of the European South of Russia. The ecological situation of the territory is deteriorating rapidly. According to various estimates, large areas of them are occupied by open sands – 60.0 - 71.3 thousand hectares. As the analysis of the experience of the work carried out on the Kizlyar pastures shows, their effectiveness was extremely low, and in some places they contributed to the strengthening of the development of natural degradation processes. As a result, destabilizing factors have emerged that ensure the production of established phytocenoses, worsening conditions and progressing every year. At present, there are practically no improved pasture lands with natural vegetation in the Tersk-Kum lowland. In the current situation, the priority is to stop the activity of moving sands, as well as to improve the state of the species diversity of vegetation, otherwise, if these processes continue at the same pace, it may endanger the very existence of pastures and the basis of life in this territory.