Geoinformation technologies in the assessment of land degradation and desertification processes

Analysis, using geoinformation technologies, of the ecological state of the pastures of the semi-desert zone of the south-west of the Nogai region, Dagestan.

The research material was based on unified methodological approaches based on a preliminary study of satellite imagery of degraded agricultural landscapes. The research materials were based on uniform methodological approaches, implemented through the preliminary study of satellite imagery of degraded agricultural landscapes. Using orthogonal (panoramic) photography and determining reflected radiation spectra based on image standards, a photographic reference image of the study area was obtained.

The sandy soils of the test site within the Terek Sand Massif (southwestern Nogai District) are characterized primarily by a light mechanical composition, a very low content of mobile forms, and a soil solution reaction ranging up to strongly alkaline. By degradation type, they are classified as deflationary with chloride-sulfate salinisation. The plant species composition is mixed herbaceous (Agropyron sibiricum + psammophytic mixed herbs) in combination with sand feather grass (Stipa joannis).

The soil cover is inherently linked with zonal and climatic factors and the specifics of the deltaic soil formation process. During the growing season, blue alfalfa (28 %) and sand wormwood (25 %) play a dominant role here. The use of a standard photographic reference image is applicable as an identifier of pasture degradation, allowing for recommendations to improve the agro-ecological situation of the semi-desert zone of Dagestan.

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