Overview of issues of conservation of steppe ecosystems

Abstract

Steppe ecosystems are the most important terrestrial ecosystems for the national economy in Russia, on which the bulk of Russian agriculture has been based for almost two centuries. At the same time, the steppe is one of the most vulnerable natural ecosystems, as it is influenced by various environmental factors (natural, anthropogenic, man–made). The most tangible environmental factor — anthropogenic — is the downside of human agricultural activity. The removal of virgin steppes for arable land, unregulated livestock, excess of pasture load in excess of permissible norms led to the loss of former biodiversity, a high degree of disturbance of steppe ecosystems, and in some cases, a complete loss of soil fertility and vegetation cover, and as a result to desertification of the territory. In the current situation, the steppe ecosystems of Russia, including the Stavropol Territory, need restoration measures aimed at reducing and preventing the scale of degradation of steppe territories, improving soil cover and vegetation, increasing biodiversity and productivity of natural grasslands. The lost steppe vegetation should be returned to its original habitat. It is necessary to gradually resume the native flora, based on the use of resourcesaving technologies for restoring natural vegetation and preserving virgin areas of steppe communities. However, the recognition by society of the indisputable importance and value of steppe ecosystems is no less significant. And of course, the legal status.