Manifestation of Soil Desertification Processes in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine Depending on their Moisture Level

Natural factors play an important role in the formation of soils, but under certain conditions they can cause their degradation and desertification, especially in combination with anthropogenic impact. In modern conditions, it is human activity that significantly enhances the natural processes of aridification, turning desertification into a global problem. The main natural factors are soil moisture deficiency, uneven distribution of precipitation and high evaporation intensity, the negative impact of which is exacerbated by crop rotation violations, intensive tillage and reduced use of soil protection technologies. The study was conducted on test plots within the Vinnytsia district of Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, selected based on remote sensing materials. Three main types of soils were identified: sod-podzolic, gray podzolic and podzolic chernozems, represented by sandy and sandy loam varieties. Soil moisture was determined by the gravimetric method. The results showed that desertification manifestations depend to a large extent on the seasonal dynamics of soil moisture. Spring moisture deficits prevented the formation of productive reserves for crop germination, while summer showers promoted the development of weeds. In autumn, excessive moisture created favorable conditions for the germination of winter crops, but complicated field work. Keywords: soil, mechanical composition, moisture content, precipitation, weather conditions, available water, unavailable water