Afforestation in the Ciscaucasian Steppes of the Stavropol Province in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Abstract

The steppe areas of Ciscaucasia had for a long time been primarily inhabited by nomadic peoples (Kalmyks, Nogais and Turkmens). Their way of life determined their interaction with the natural environment. They primarily used the steppe for nomadic cattle breeding and migration from place to place. The increased peasant agricultural expansion to the South of Russia brought changes to the natural landscape. In addition, scientists, government officials and others showed great interest in the steppe territories. As a result, the question of the possibility of afforestation in the harsh steppe conditions of the Stavropol Province was raised. Afforestation in the steppes of the Stavropol Province was part of the set of measures for the agricultural development of the Ciscaucasian steppes and, without a doubt, influenced the socio-economic development of nomadic peoples, as forest planting became an integral part of the transition of nomads to a sedentary lifestyle. Studying the history of afforestation has recently become especially relevant due to the intensified desertification processes. The problem of desertification in Southern Russia (Republic of Kalmykia, Republic of Dagestan, Stavropol Territory and Rostov Region) brings to the forefront a set of collective measures aimed to counteract this natural threat. As is commonly known, desertification in this region is a consequence of the human impact on the environment, which makes it the more relevant to analyse the experience of the past and review afforestation efforts in the steppes of Ciscaucasia. Active afforestation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was an important factor in the development of agriculture in the region. The increased human impact on the environment gradually led to soil degradation and sandification. Afforestation in the Ciscaucasian steppes of the Stavropol Province, along with the economic development of these areas, slowed down the desertification process and contributed to the retention of moisture in the soil, as well as reduced erosion and improved the microclimate.