ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON SOIL COVER DEGRADATION IN THE KHOTYN UPLAND
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31861/biosystems2025.01.179Keywords:
soil degradation, anthropogenic impact, anthropogenic erosion, Khotyn Upland, satellite imagery, GIS, RUSLE, land use, NDVI, CORINEAbstract
This article thoroughly investigates the critical issue of soil cover degradation in the Khotyn Upland caused by intensive anthropogenic impact. The main aim of the study was to comprehensively identify and analyze the key anthropogenic factors affecting the region’s soil resources and to assess the extent of these changes. To achieve this objective, an integrated methodological approach was applied, including long-term cartographic analysis and the use of Earth remote sensing data, particularly satellite images from Landsat and Sentinel missions across different time periods, as well as land use change analysis.
The research methodology involved a detailed analysis of topographic and thematic maps, enabling the tracking of land use and landscape structure evolution. A key stage included the processing and interpretation of satellite imagery from Landsat (5 TM, 7 ETM+, 8 OLI, 9 OLI-2) and Sentinel-2 MSI, along with the analysis of digital CORINE Land Cover (CLC) maps for the period from 1990 to 2023. All spatial information was integrated and processed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to assess land use change dynamics, monitor vegetation cover through the NDVI index, and analyze road infrastructure density and population density—factors that directly reflect anthropogenic activity.
While natural processes also influence soils, the focus of the study was on modeling anthropogenic soil erosion using the RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model adapted to local conditions. The results showed that the most intense soil degradation occurs in areas of active agricultural activity, primarily due to excessive land plowing, irrational use of agricultural land, and intense processes of anthropogenic erosion. A significant expansion of the areas affected by these processes was identified, confirmed by NDVI dynamics analysis and erosion hazard visualization.
Modeling with RUSLE revealed a high level of soil loss caused by human activity, especially on steep slopes where intensive washout of the fertile topsoil is observed. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to implement integrated land resource management, including agroforestry and other agroecological measures aimed at reducing negative anthropogenic impact and restoring soil fertility. The study's findings are valuable for developing sustainable land use strategies and planning environmental protection measures in the Khotyn Upland.
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