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Secondary salinization is one of the most widespread types of soil degradation in Russia. It is most widely spread on irrigated lands in steppe and dry-steppe regions of the country. Based on data obtained over the past 30 years, the database on secondary salinization of soils in Russia has been updated. As a basis the data of the uniform state register of soils of Russia which is completely compatible to a format of the Soil and geographical database of the European Union are used. The information on prevalence of secondary saline soils and secondary sodic soils has been specified. It is shown that in Russia, in contrast to other countries of the world, a greater danger is secondary sodification of soils. The results are presented as vector layers in geoinformation format.

Information about spatial distribution of agricultural crops in Russia exists only in the form of statistical data aggregated at the level of regions or farms, which does not make it possible to obtain data about the actual distribution of crops. Attempts to use satellite data for mapping of individual crops have not yet been successful either. We have attempted to disaggregate statistical data on crop areas using map of ploughed soils in Russia, information on crop rotations, and assessment of suitability of land for cultivation of specific crops. An analysis was conducted for the 28 most common crops in Russia. Maps of the distribution of these crops in the country were constructed. The maps give an idea of the geography of crops in Russia and can be used to improve approaches to satellite mapping and monitoring of crop areas in the country.