ECOLOGY OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE THE NORTH CAUCASIAN FEDERAL DISTRICT

Aim . The aim is to make an evaluation of the processes taking place on agricultural lands when intensively used on the territory of the North Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation. Methods . Analysis of literary sources and conventional techniques with the use of geo-informational systems. Results . Stavropol Territory and Dagestan Republic occupy 68,29% of the territory of the Federal District and determine the basic agricultural policy. Analysis of anthropogenic degradation of agricultural land in the territorial entities of the district reveals that in the Republic of Dagestan 84% of the territory suffers from degradation (water erosion), and in Kabardino-Balkaria only 0,04% (alkalinization of the land). In case we consider the degradation factor on an integrated basis, then the highest rate in Dagestan reached 2,04. Conclusion. It was established that in the North Caucasus Federal District the anthropogenic pressure on agricultural lands is very high along with low arable lands supply, thus causing many problems for the region, including social. We suggest a set of measures to improve land productivity; to strengthen control by the public authorities over the use, protection and improvement of land and the efficient use of capital investments.