Risk Assessment of Land Degradation Using Satellite Imagery and Geospatial Modelling in Ukraine

In this publication, the authors considered the effect of unprecedented human activity into land degradation and desertification processes in Ukraine. The land degradation mapping technique based on processing of a two-level model for multispectral satellite imagery of low and medium spatial resolution was described. This technique was used to investigate land degradation and desertification within relatively pristine and human-inspired mining and industrial landscapes located in the central, southern, and eastern parts of Ukraine. In each particular case, the authors offered thematic land degradation maps obtained as a result of multispectral images processing, allowed assessing the state and tendencies in land degradation processes within the study areas. Data obtained visually emphasize the level of anthropogenic stress, impact of long-term change of vegetation cover, and correlation of intensive development of mining, construction, agricultural and other human activities with high level of land degradation within investigated areas. The transition to adaptive farming systems implies the achievement of maximum compatibility between soil and plant, development of crop rotation, soil conservation tillage system. Conducted research on the creation of adaptive systems of crop production takes into account the environmental, landscape and geochemical peculiarities of the steppe zone of Ukraine, to get the production of environmentally safe agricultural products. They can be used in further studies of a differentiated approach to achieving a balanced potential of agricultural landscapes. Remote detecting of degradation and desertification processes intensification at early stages will be able to promote further measures for improving the territories conditions. The further research has to be directed on development of geoinformation technologies for landscape changes remote mapping.