Soil-degradation zoning of Lviv Oblast

Abstract

We propose a scheme of soil-degradation zoning of Lviv Oblast, which comprehensively illuminates the problem of degradation and focuses on regional differences in the manifestation and complexity of dominant degradation processes. The highest taxonomic unit of soil-degradation zoning is the soil-degradation country, which in turn is divided into a soil-degradation zone, province, county and district. This classification is based on the landscape features of the study area, the dominant types and kinds of degradation processes. In accordance with the zoning of Lviv Oblast, we have identified the following soil degradation taxa: 2 countries, 3 zones, 5 provinces, 14 counties and 31 districts. The soil-degradation country of the East European Plain unites two soil-degradation zones: Polissia mixed forests and broad-leaved forest zones. The soil-degradation zone (Polissia mixed forests) is best characterized by the processes of deflation and physical degradations. The processes of water erosion and physical degradation of soils dominate within the soil degradation zone (broad-leaved forest zone). Those zones also manifest pyrogenic and chemical degradations. The Carpathian soil-degradation country within Lviv Oblast (the Ukrainian Carpathian zone) is characterized by the distribution of geo-ecological anomalies, mechanical and physical soil degradations. The complex lithological features and geomorphology of the territory in the context of uneven anthropogenic impact determine the intensity of manifestation of degradation. Disturbing the natural stability of the soil cover in the conditions of the mountainous terrain contributes to the activation of the manifestation of degradation processes of geo-ecological anomalies. The problem of soil degradation in Lviv Oblast in the conditions of long-term, intense, and often consumer-orientated agricultural use is considered one of the most urgent tasks of modern agricultural production, soil science, ecology, land management, and environmental protection in general. In addition to arable land, the soils of the Carpathians are degrading due to excessive and often predatory deforestation, recreation and pressure from tourists. As evidenced by numerous scientific publications and our own research, soils are subject to water and wind erosions, overconsolidation and loss of structure, dehumification, depletion, desiccation and aridisation, pyrogenic degradation, contamination by agrochemicals, domestic and industrial wastes, etc. The status of the soils and land resources of the study area is close to critical.