Spatial and temporal dynamics of soil properties upon desertification in the Baikal region

Spatial and temporal dynamics of soil properties related to desertification processes in the Baikal region is analyzed. The disturbance of soil homeostasis after plowing of virgin soils results in the transformation of their properties manifested by a different character of statistical distribution, higher variability, and a greater degree of correlation between separate soil characteristics. The spatial dynamics of the properties of plowed soils as related to desertification reaches its maximum in the area of chernozems. A scale to assess the degree of desertification and ecological status of particular territories has been developed. Two-factor models describing climatic conditions of desertification and dynamics of soil properties have been proposed.