Grouping of Lands by the Degree of Erosion and Designing Anti-erosion Measures

This paper presents the results of grouping the lands of the Chashnikovo Training and Experimental Soil-Ecological Center, Moscow State University, by the degree of erosion and need for anti-erosion measures. The research is based on an express method of mapping the study area using a 1 : 5000 scale topographic framework, a soil map, and an on-farm land management plan. The grouping of the lands included areas of field crop rotations nos. 1 and 2. It has been established that the lands of the second (46.3%) and third (38.1%) categories of erosion hazard predominate on the territory of crop rotation no. 1 (with a total area of 75.6 ha). Analysis of the land distribution of field crop rotation no. 2 (area of 67.2 ha) has shown that the land categories were distributed as follows: the first category included 37.5%, the second 26.5%, and the third 29.3%. The main recommendations for the rational use of crop rotation areas are given, taking into account the application of anti-erosion measures on lands of the four categories. No special anti-erosion measures are required for the areas assigned to the first category of lands of Class “A.” The lands of the second category require preventive measures to reduce surface runoff and soil loss (basic and auxiliary soil treatments across the slope or close to the contour line). The lands of the third category require a set of anti-erosion measures to reduce surface runoff and soil loss (contour plowing, soil deepening, and formation of artificial microrelief). The lands of the fourth category of erosion hazard require the introduction of soil-protective crop rotation, in which row crops are excluded. The proportion of perennial grasses and grain crops is increasing (2/3 and 1/3 of the area, respectively). Increased doses of fertilizers are required for the lands of the third and fourth categories: by 15 and 30%, respectively, compared to the doses for the 2nd category.