An assessment system of natural and anthropogenic effects on changes

Under consideration are the calculation results obtained by means of the soil and agro-climatic index PAKI to estimate natural-anthropogenic positive and adverse effects on the soil fertility. The assessment of positive effects is exemplified by liming of soils in the southern taiga zone, whereas the assessment of adverse effects is considered with special reference to water erosion and soil washout in the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Such a methodological approach provides comparative spatially orientated information and allows assessing the soil quality rating scores for arable lands, thus showing (1) the efficiency of soil liming and (2) the degree of adverse effects exerted by water erosion on the soil fertility. The application of PAKI index meets demands of soil management and permits to forecast the transformation of soil resources, changes in the soil cover pattern, and soil productivity. It may serve as a background for land taxation.