Transformation of the Winter Hydrological Regime as a Risk Factor for Steppe Agroecosystems on the Example of the Rostov Region

Southern Federal University, Rostov on Don, 344090, Russia

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Abstract

The paper presents the results of long-term monitoring of snow cover characteristics in agroecosystems of the steppe zone of the Rostov region. Long-term series of meteorological observations (1905-2025) at six representative stations of the region are analyzed. The dynamics of the main parameters of the snow cover is investigated: the duration of occurrence, height and water reserves in the snow. Statistically significant trends in reducing the duration of the snow period at all observation stations have been identified. The scale of the decrease in the height of the snow cover and the decrease in moisture reserves in the snow during the study period has been determined. The regional synchronicity of changes in snow cover characteristics in the region has been established. The frequency of occurrence of low-snow winters in the 21st century compared with the middle of the 20th century has been studied. An assessment of current risks to the productivity of winter crops caused by the degradation of snow cover has been formed. The directions of adaptation of agricultural technologies to the transformation of the winter hydrological regime are proposed. The necessity of including snow cover monitoring in the risk management system of the agro-industrial complex of the region is substantiated.