Title : Soil degradation and methods to improve soil fertility – Bulgaria case
Abstract:
The article examines the main soil threats identified as priorities for Europe, such as erosion, organic matter depletion, pollution, sealing, compaction, salinization and biodiversity loss. The main processes leading to land and soil degradation in Bulgaria and their quantification are presented.The modern technologies for the restoration of degraded lands and soils are examined, including the reclamation activities of disturbed and contaminated terrains. The responsibilities of state institutions in terms of preserving and improving soil health are described.
The analysis of the current state of land degradation in Bulgaria shows that:
1. Soil erosion is still the main threat to degradation.
2. The manifestations of landslides, sea abrasion and erosion of river banks should also not be ignored.
3. The rate of reclamation of polluted lands and soils during the extraction and primary processing of ores and minerals is still significantly lower than the rate of land degradation.
4. Neglecting the reduction of organic matter in the soil, compaction, sealing and formation of soil crust and loss of biodiversity can lead to a serious negative impact on the productivity potential of the land;
5. Pollution with heavy metals and radioactive nuclides, acidification and salinization are local in nature, so large territories of the country are suitable for the production of environmentally friendly products.
Possible actions to overcome the processes of soil health deterioration are indicated, which are related to:
1. Development of a national policy and strategy for the protection of lands from degradation.
2. Further improvement of legislation, the land monitoring system and the cadastre.
3. Control of further land pollution by reducing to safe levels harmful substances in industrial emissions, waste management and development of waste processing industries.
4. Development of programs for the restoration of regions affected by land degradation by the mining industry and land pollution with heavy metals and radioactive nuclides;
5. Development of national and regional programs for the introduction and promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural systems to control erosion, prevent further land degradation and restore the potential for soil productivity.
