The impact of climate change on soil fertility in the Central region of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Global warming also contributes to ongoing land degradation. Higher temperatures have become more frequent in recent years, which has led to desertification and land degradation due to reduced rainfall and increased evaporation. The problem of desertification is very important for Azerbaijan, located in dry climate. The deterioration of potential and effective indicators of land fertility inherent in the central part of Azerbaijan has become a consistent and irreversible process. In most natural areas, a decrease in humus, which is a very important indicator of fertility, is a serious warning and should be seen as an environmental crisis or soil degradation. To maintain soil fertility, a system of land reclamation and agroreclamation measures can be applied. Besides of these measures it is also possible through the use of new technologies (Conservation Agriculture) to maintain soil fertility. Conservative (protected) systems are not just a technique, but simply a type of approach. Following list of technologies is using on conservative agriculture: • Laser surface alignment; • Preservation of plant residue in the area; • Reduction of soil plowing (minimum cultivation) or lowering the plow to zero; • Application of turn cultivation system. This type of cultivation is also called a sow or a direct sow. Conservative agriculture based on reduction of plowing or reset plowing. Additionally, it is important to apply plant debris on soil surface and it should be combined with sequence cultivation.