Pronevych V. Scientific basis of drained peatland rehabilitation and radiological safety in agroecosystems of Polissya

The thesis presents the results of more than 25 years of comprehensive experimental studies on the degradation of peat deposits of Polissya, 137Сs migration in natural and agricultural ecosystems in the region; the impact of these processes on various natural and anthropogenic factors is assessed. A method of sand filling in shallow peat deposits complex is proposed, which provides enriching top of soil with mineral component that acts as preservative for lower layers, slows the mineralization of organic matter, provides a good soil organo-mineral complex. The field crop rotation on deep peat fen soils that allow to minimize the loss of organic matter of peat and, thus, to grow high yields of forage and food crops is recommended. It is proved that the natural pastures of the region are the most critical lands for 137Сs contamination as for milk production of cows, especially for rural private households. A set of activities and countermeasures to reduce 137Сs transfer factors in agricultural products on the main radical improvement of meadows and pastures, land liming of acidic soil solution, increasing the content of exchangeable potassium in the soil are developed. Generalization of experimental data allows to develop methodological basis to offer evidence-based measures for the rehabilitation of drained peatlands and sustainable use of radioactively contaminated agroecosystems and implementing the principles of differentiated environmental management in remote period after the Chornobyl accident.