Ecological problems of the steppe zone: causes and methods of solution

Steppes are on all continents, only they are called differently. In Eurasia, these are extensive steppe zones on the territory of Ukraine and Russia, in Africa and Australia - savanna, in South America - pampas, in the north - prairies. But no matter how you name these biological systems, the ecological problems of the steppe zone are practically the same everywhere.

What is the steppe?

Steppe called plains, overgrown with herbaceous plants. They are located in the temperate and subtropical zone of both hemispheres. A characteristic feature of the steppes is the absence of trees. The forest belts here are planted artificially.

Climatic conditions

Steppe zones are usually located in a temperate continental and sharply continental climate. Summer is hot here, sometimes too much, as the temperature rises above +40. The rains are not enough. Winter can be moderately mild and severe. Snow falls a little. It does not cover the earth well, it often moves with a drift.

Animals and plants

Before describing the ecological problems of the steppe zone, it is necessary to tell what animals and plants can be found here. The vegetative world of the steppes is represented by a diverse herbal carpet. In the steppes grow feather grass, mulich, grass-fescue, oat and a large number of bulbous species. Steppe plants are adapted to long periods of drought, so they actively grow in the spring, using moist soil after winter.

Animals in the steppe zones are mainly night, because they are forced to wait for hot days. Here are found antelopes, many rodents, jerboas, eagles, kestrels, larks. In addition, there are a large number of snakes and insects. By the way, birds in the majority fly away for the winter to other areas. Plants and animals fully experience the problems of the steppe zone, and, unfortunately, in most of these problems the person is guilty.

Causes of environmental problems

Steppe zones are perfectly adapted for agricultural work. The man received ready arable land and rich pastures. But the irrational use of these lands depletes their resource very quickly. Ecological problems of the steppe zone lead to the destruction of the steppes and the absorption of these territories by forest-steppe and deserts. Even a special term - "desertification" was introduced. This is the process of degradation of the ecosystem, the deterioration of its biological potential.

Since there are often droughts and dry winds in the steppe zones, a man began not only to plow, but also to irrigate large areas of the steppes. Irrigation is called artificial irrigation. To supply water, irrigation systems and hydraulic structures are being built. This allows us to grow stable harvests, but has menacing consequences:

• Degradation of landscapes begins;
• There is salinization of soil and natural water bodies;
• Waste water is a threat to pollution of natural reservoirs;
• Saline lakes are formed in places where drainage drains are discharged;
• There are ground failures ;
• Soils and water bodies are polluted with toxins and nitrates (including groundwater and groundwater).

Despite the fact that irrigation gives a high economic effect in agriculture, it exacerbates the ecological problems of the steppe. This means that a person needs to think through ways of minimizing the problems that have arisen.

How to reduce the negative impact of man

To preserve the steppe zones, a number of measures are being developed. They are aimed at reducing the problem and restoring the ecological balance. Ecological problems of the steppe zone are solved as follows:

• Protected areas and nature reserves are created;
• Lists of endangered plants and animals for inclusion in the Red Book;
• Measures are being taken to conserve and restore endangered species of flora and fauna;
• Limited to withdrawing black earth for misuse;
• Modernization of agricultural machines;
• Reclaimed land;
• Landscapes disturbed in the course of economic activity are restored.

Ecological problems of the steppe zone require maximum attention, as the steppes gradually disappear from the face of the earth.