Population density as a major factor causing soil degradation

The historical causes of population settlement have been investigated, the impact of settlement and population density on land degradation in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has been studied in this article. At the same time, solutions of the problems of prevention of degradation have been explored. As Nakhchivan is one of the ancient cities of the world, the history of human impact on the environment is very old. During the historical period, as a result of human activity, lands have been degraded and modernized. Results of research, using statistics and through ArcGis software, location of settlements on altitude zones population settlement by regions, density, settlement maps and tables have been compiled for the altitude zones. It was determined that, the population is more densely populated in plains, foothills, river valleys with fertile soils close to water. As a result of intensive use, soil fertility has decreased, salinization and erosion processes have led to soil degradation. The results of our scientific research are reflected in maps and tables.