Environment-forming and stabilizing role of the soil-protective agroforestry landscape complex on slopes

Abstract

This study examines the effects of forest belts on erosion andhydrological conditions, soil moisture reserves, and cellulolytic activity, aswell as their influence on agricultural crop yields on slopes. The researchreveals that forest belts lead to increased snow depth and even distribution,reduced soil freezing, and decreased water erosion risk in catchment areas.Additionally, forest belts enhance moisture reserves in the middle slope byreducing lateral water flow. In comparison to upland areas, the lower andmiddle parts of the slope typically exhibit greater snow depth, reduced soilfreezing, and increased soil moisture. Forest belts also promote highercellulolytic activity in adjacent areas. The study finds that barley yieldsincrease on slopes with forest belts, but buckwheat yields decrease due toexcessive vegetative growth.