Soil degradation – the result of anthropogenic factors
Authors: Bulygina M. E. , Bulygin S. Yu. 
Published: December 2023

Annotation
Purpose. To develop a matrix for the classification of degradation processes, regarding the possibility of soil restoration according to their list, which will allow to create a system of indicators of the degree of soil degradation, which in most cases will determine the probability of their restoration. To determine the diagnostic criteria of the degree of soil degradation.
Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical.
Results. The degree of soil degradation means a certain change in the characteristics of their condition, which quantitatively reflects the deterioration of the composition and properties. The concept of soil degradation due to human economic activity is revealed, to which the evolution of soils under the influence of changes in soil formation factors does not apply.. The consequences of soil degradation in the natural and ecological aspect are revealed.
A common feature of modern approaches to the classification of degradation processes is their grouping by the nature of the prevailing negative process, or a group of soil parameters that change as a result of degradation. The degree of the process reversibility depends on the degree of the soil system transformation into its degradations. The proposed classification matrix of degradation processes provides an opportunity to assess the reversibility of a certain type of degradation. For a complete assessment of the degradation process, a system of indicators for the degree of soil degradation, which in most cases determine the probability of their reversal, and diagnostic criteria for the degree of soil degradation have also been developed
Conclusions
1. Soil degradation is defined as the deterioration of useful properties and soil fertility due to the influence of anthropogenic factors.
2. Soil is a single system of closely related components, that is, none of the degradation processes occurs in the soil independently, each of them to one degree or another affects the soil body in general, causing its negative changes, and therefore the development of other degradation processes processes.
3. According to the degree of transformation of the soil system in its degradation (which, in fact, depends on the degree of reversibility of the process), it is possible to distinguish:
­ processes that have an oscillatory character. (changes in the content of humus, nutrients, species composition of microflora, soil compaction and loosening, etc.). Such processes, if they are not secondary, are usually completely reversible, since when optimal conditions are created for the functioning of the soil system, it quickly self-restores;
­ processes that cause (or are accompanied by) complete destruction of the soil (erosion, mechanical movement of the soil layer). This is, accordingly, absolutely irreversible soil degradation.
4. To assess the degree of degradation, we developed a classification matrix, which was created by supplementing the classical division of degradation into types based on the main parameters of the soil.
Keywords: degradation processes, degradation reversibility, degradation irreversibility, diagnostic criteria, degradation matrix.