Hromyk O. Ecological-geographical justification of cultivated lands optimization in the radioactive contamination zone

The thesis generalizes theoretical and methodological backgrounds to ecological-geographical researches of land forms within the conditions of radioactive contamination. The ecological-geographical analysis and evaluation of radioactive contamination (137Сs, 90Sr) in water bodies, populated localities, soils and vegetation have been carried out. The soil ecological conditions and contamination density of plants products by radionuclides have been evaluated. The anthropogenic influence has been established and the excess of allowable concentration limits and maximum allowable levels of toxic agents has been determined in ecosystem parts of water bodies, soils of cultivated lands in the radioactive contamination zone. The nutritional characteristics of soils in Volyn Region have been analyzed drawing on the example of cultivated lands in the radioactive contamination zone. On the basis of the analysis and integrated information about conditions of cultivated lands in the radioactive contaminated area under study the thesis suggests a constructive-geographical control and support scheme for effective use, optimization, protection and conservation of cultivated lands in the contaminated area of the region of interest. The thesis research gives a description of natural factors, special features of subsoil and terrain, waste water, climate, landscape, soil-vegetation peculiarities as well as it outlines anthropogenic factors of air and water pollution. The research examined contamination of water and populated localities landscape systems, private farms, cultivated lands, the agrochemical analysis of polluted areas has been carried out. Radiation pollution monitoring in the agro-industrial complex has been characterized in the thesis; on basis of the detailed analysis agro technical and agrochemical measures to reduce radioactive contamination of plant products have been defined as well as ways of soil condition optimization; the thesis suggests some measures in relation to agricultural production optimization under conditions of radiation pollution; it provides some operational guidelines for processing of agricultural raw materials. With the purpose of natural resource potential conservation in the radioactive contamination zone of Volyn Region the range of agro technical and agrochemical measures should be implemented aiming to radioactive contamination reduction. The main steps and measures include a method of soil treatment, crop territorial distribution and liming of acid soils. Application of organic, mineral fertilizers and sorbents with the obligatory liming of acid soils is one of the main ways that can most effectively influence radionuclide obstructing by soil absorbing system.