Water and soil restoration

Water and soil restoration

Restoring the territory begins with the movement of water

Water and soil form a single system.

Without water, microorganisms, fungi, plants, and animals cannot thrive. Without living, structured soil, water cannot be retained for long: it quickly runs off the surface, evaporates, disappears through cracks, or causes erosion and waterlogging.

Therefore, water and soil restoration cannot be separated into two independent directions.

Water management should improve the soil.

Soil restoration should increase the area's capacity to receive, purify, retain and gradually release water.

The main principle of DREVO:

It is necessary not only to deliver water to plants, but also to restore the territory’s ability to independently receive, store and distribute moisture.

Basic recovery sequence:

Stop pollution and erosion → Watershed analysis → Runoff slowing → Water infiltration into soil → Restoration of vegetation → Accumulation of organic matter → Development of soil biota → Formation of a stable soil profile.

1. Water as the basis of the ecosystem

Water performs several interrelated functions in the ecosystem.

She:

participates in photosynthesis;

transports mineral and organic substances;

regulates the temperature of plants and soil;

ensures the activity of microorganisms;

supports fungi and mycorrhiza;

participates in the weathering of rocks;

forms soil structure;

feeds surface and underground water bodies;

creates a microclimate;

determines the composition of vegetation;

connects different parts of the landscape.

Lack of water limits biological productivity.

However, excess water can also become destructive if it causes:

waterlogging;

lack of oxygen in the soil;

root rot;

erosion;

slide;

leaching of nutrients;

transfer of pollutants;

secondary salinization.

The goal of the project is not to accumulate maximum water in one point, but to create a sustainable water regime for the entire territory.

2. The main goal is to increase the residence time of the water

The amount of precipitation in itself does not determine the water supply of an area.

Two areas with the same amount of rain can be in completely different conditions.

On one site there is water:

drains quickly;

destroys the surface;

carries away soil;

evaporates;

does not reach the roots.

On another site she:

is retained by vegetation;

penetrates into the soil;

fills pores;

supports soil life;

gradually nourishes plants;

replenishes groundwater.

Therefore, the most important indicator is not only the volume of incoming water, but also the duration of its presence in the ecosystem.

The restored area should slow down water at all levels:

in the tree crowns;

on the surface of the leaves;

in the grass cover;

in the forest litter;

in the loose upper horizon;

in root canals;

in soil pores;

in swampy depressions;

in ponds and small bodies of water;

in deep geological layers.

3. Catchment area as the basic planning unit

Water is not bound by administrative boundaries. It moves in accordance with the terrain and geology.

Therefore, the main object of water planning is the catchment area.

A catchment area includes the area from which water flows to a specific:

stream;

ravine;

valleys;

pond;

rivers;

decrease;

reservoir.

Before starting work, it is necessary to install:

where surface runoff begins;

in what directions is it moving;

where water accelerates;

where gullies are formed;

where sediment accumulates;

where water penetrates the soil;

where it stagnates;

where it goes after going beyond the project boundaries.

It is impossible to design water retention structures only within one area without taking into account the upper and lower parts of the catchment area.

Incorrect intervention can:

flood the neighboring area;

deprive the underlying ecosystem of water;

intensify the landslide;

redirect the contaminated flow;

destroy a road or building;

change the spring mode;

will dry out the wetland.

4. Water balance of the territory

To understand the water system, the main flows are taken into account:

Water inflow

rain;

snow;

fog;

dew;

surface inflow;

groundwater tributary;

watering;

purified industrial water;

water collection from roofs and structures.

Water loss

surface runoff;

evaporation;

plant transpiration;

leaks;

deep seepage;

drainage systems;

household consumption.

Water accumulation

in the soil;

in reservoirs;

in the snow cover;

in plant biomass;

in groundwater;

in humid areas;

in porous geological layers.

Water balance should be assessed not only for the year, but also by season.

The average annual rainfall may appear adequate, but the area still suffers from drought if most of the water falls during a short rainy season and quickly leaves the landscape.

5. Hierarchy of working with water

The DREVO model uses a sequence from the simplest nature-based solutions to more complex infrastructure.

The first level is preserving existing water

Necessary:

protect springs;

preserve the swamps;

do not destroy natural depressions;

protect the forest floor;

prevent compaction;

stop draining;

reduce leaks;

preserve natural riverbeds.

The cheapest source of water is water that the area has stopped losing.

The second level is the slowing down of surface runoff

Used:

grass cover;

shrub strips;

dead wood;

stone lines;

hedges;

contour plantings;

small cross barriers;

gully stabilization.

The goal is to reduce the speed of the water without creating a dangerous backwater.

The third level is increased infiltration

Applicable:

restoration of soil structure;

deep rooted plants;

mulching;

organic materials;

elimination of compaction;

biological loosening;

infiltration zones;

contour ditches under suitable conditions.

The main task is to convert part of the destructive surface flow into slow soil movement.

The fourth level is distributed accumulation

Created:

small ponds;

temporary reservoirs;

wet areas;

storage pools;

forest water glades;

reservoirs;

rainwater collection systems.

Preference is given to several interconnected accumulation points, rather than one large facility on which the entire territory depends.

Level 5 - Additional Water Supply

Only after reducing losses are the following considered:

wells;

water supply from outside;

refreshment;

reuse of purified water;

pumping systems;

large tanks;

automated watering.

Additional water should not be used to maintain an unstable system that is constantly losing moisture.

6. The principle of slowing down, distribution and penetration

Working with water is based on three actions:

Slow down

The flow rate is reduced by:

plants;

surface unevenness;

stones;

wood;

contour elements;

small water regulation structures.

Distribute

The concentrated flow is converted into a wider and safer one.

This prevents:

gullies;

soil destruction;

local floods;

overload of one section.

Direct into the soil

Water must penetrate the biologically active soil profile and replenish available moisture reserves.

But this principle isn't applied mechanically. In contaminated areas, deep infiltration can transport toxic substances into groundwater. On landslide-prone slopes, soil saturation can increase instability.

Every decision must be based on diagnostics.

7. Contour water control

On slopes, water naturally moves down the line of greatest slope.

Contour elements are located approximately across the slope and help:

slow down the flow;

distribute water;

retain organic matter;

reduce erosion;

create wet planting areas.

These elements include:

contour grass stripes;

shrub rows;

tree plantings;

stone ramparts;

small ditches;

terraced areas;

lines of dead wood.

Contour structures should not be created without an assessment of:

slope;

soil type;

water permeability;

volume of flood runoff;

slope stability;

location of buildings;

safe overflow capabilities.

Any structure must have a way to safely drain excess water.

8. Ravines and concentrated runoff

A gully is a sign that the flow of water has exceeded the stability of the surface.

Simply planting trees inside an active ravine usually does not eliminate the cause of its development.

The work starts from top to bottom:

The catchment area of ​​the ravine is determined.

The supply of concentrated flow is reduced.

The upper part is stabilized.

The side slopes are strengthened.

Safe energy dissipation stages are created.

Sediments and organic matter are retained.

The vegetation cover is being formed.

The system's behavior during heavy precipitation is monitored.

Can be used:

rock drops;

wooden structures;

wicker barriers;

living shrub fortifications;

grassy drains;

small bottom dams.

Such works require an engineering assessment if the ravine:

deep;

developing rapidly;

located next to buildings;

connected to the road;

carries contaminated water;

receives a large flood flow.

9. Small bodies of water and wet areas

Small bodies of water can perform several functions simultaneously:

water accumulation;

flood regulation;

support for amphibians;

increasing air humidity;

formation of microclimate;

fire extinguishing reserve;

watering animals;

sediment accumulation;

biological treatment.

However, a reservoir should not be created just because there is a depression on the site.

It is necessary to determine:

water source;

seasonality of filling;

soil permeability;

quality of incoming water;

dam safety;

possibility of overflow;

impact on groundwater;

risk of proliferation of unwanted organisms;

consequences for neighboring territories.

Particularly valuable natural swamps and temporary reservoirs should not be replaced by artificial ponds.

10. Rainwater collection

Water can be collected from:

roofs;

greenhouses;

roads;

sites;

utility buildings;

specially prepared water collection surfaces.

Before use, the quality of the drain must be taken into account.

Water from roofs may contain:

dust;

organic remains;

corrosion products;

roofing materials substances;

bird droppings.

Road runoff may contain:

petroleum products;

heavy metals;

microplastic;

anti-icing salts;

tire particles.

Therefore, different water sources cannot be automatically combined.

Different accumulation and purification lines can be used for food production, irrigation, livestock farming and technical purposes.

11. Irrigation as a transitional tool

Watering is necessary in the early stages of recovery, especially:

when planting trees;

during rooting;

in nurseries;

in arid regions;

in the restoration of severely degraded soils.

However, the continuous dependence of a mature system on intensive irrigation is considered a sign of incomplete sustainability.

Watering should:

support rooting;

direct the roots into the depths;

take into account the needs of the species;

decrease as the system develops;

combine with mulch;

controlled by soil moisture;

do not cause waterlogging;

do not provoke salinization.

Preferred:

drip irrigation;

subsurface feed;

watering the planting bowls;

local deep hydration;

use of sensors.

Frequent surface watering with small doses can form a shallow root system and increase the plants' dependence on humans.

12. Water quality

Water is not only valued by quantity.

It is necessary to check:

acidity;

electrical conductivity;

mineralization;

sodium;

chlorides;

brown;

nitrate;

heavy metals;

organic pollutants;

pathogenic microorganisms;

petroleum products;

detergent residues;

hardness salts.

Water control is especially important when:

watering food crops;

use of treated wastewater;

application of wells;

refreshments;

the presence of industry;

proximity to landfills;

use of road runoff.

Inappropriate water can gradually destroy the soil even when the plants initially appear healthy.

13. The danger of secondary salinization

In arid regions, water can not only restore the land, but also create a new problem.

If the irrigation water contains salts and evaporation is high, the water goes into the atmosphere and the salts remain in the soil.

Secondary salinization increases with:

overwatering;

poor drainage;

close to groundwater;

using mineralized water;

lack of vegetation;

high surface temperature;

improper distribution of water.

To prevent salinization it is necessary:

control water quality;

maintain drainage;

avoid over-watering;

reduce evaporation with mulch and shading;

grow adapted plants;

monitor soil electrical conductivity;

take into account the salt balance.

Desalinated water also requires compositional control, since too low a mineral content or an inappropriate element ratio may require adjustment before long-term use.

14. Soil as a living system

Soil is made up of more than just mineral particles.

Complete living soil includes:

sand;

dust particles;

clay;

mineral compounds;

water;

air;

organic matter;

roots;

bacteria;

archaea;

mushrooms;

protozoa;

nematode;

arthropods;

earthworms.

Fertility arises not from the presence of individual components, but from their interaction.

Minerals provide elements.

Plants create organic matter.

Microorganisms transform compounds.

Mushrooms connect parts of the system.

Soil animals mix and structure the material.

Roots create pores and supply carbon.

Water carries substances.

Air supports the respiration of organisms.

15. Four properties of stable soil

Structure

Soil particles are combined into stable aggregates.

A good structure ensures:

porosity;

water penetration;

air access;

root development;

erosion resistance.

Organic matter

Organic matter:

retains water;

nourishes soil biota;

binds particles;

supports the circulation of elements;

reduces temperature fluctuations;

participates in carbon accumulation.

Biological activity

Living soil is constantly transforming.

Signs of activity are:

developed roots;

mushroom threads;

earthworms;

the smell of forest soil;

decomposition of leaves;

formation of aggregates;

a large number of small soil organisms.

Self-healing ability

Stable soil is able to partially restore its structure after:

droughts;

heavy rain;

mechanical impact;

seasonal freezing;

moderate economic load.

16. The path from rock to soil

In areas with a missing soil horizon, restoration begins with primary soil formation.

Stage 1. Mineral base

Present:

rock formation;

crushed stone;

sand;

volcanic material;

technogenic mineral substrate.

Biological activity is minimal.

Stage 2. Weathering

The rock is destroyed under the influence of:

temperature changes;

water;

freezing;

dissolved substances;

winds;

microorganisms;

roots.

Regolith is formed - a loose mineral material that is not yet full-fledged soil.

Stage 3. Pioneer biota

Appears:

bacteria;

cyanobacteria;

lichens;

seaweed;

mosses;

resistant herbs.

They trap dust, moisture and the first organic residues.

Stage 4. Primary organic accumulation

Dying organisms form a thin organic layer.

It begins:

mushroom colonization;

development of small roots;

moisture retention;

gradual structuring of the material.

Stage 5. Formation of a young soil profile

Developing:

grass cover;

shrubs;

deeper roots;

soil animals;

horizons of organic accumulation.

Stage 6. Mature soil system

The following are being formed:

stable horizons;

developed pore structure;

mushroom nets;

diverse soil biota;

effective circulation of substances;

natural regeneration of plants.

This process can take decades or centuries. The project's goal is to safely accelerate it without creating an artificial substrate that quickly loses its properties.

17. Restoration of degraded soil

The strategy depends on the cause of degradation.

When compacted

Necessary:

stop heavy movement;

determine the depth of the compacted layer;

use deep-rooted plants;

apply biological loosening;

add organic matter;

create permanent paths;

If necessary, carry out limited mechanical loosening.

Mechanical loosening without roots and organic matter often gives temporary results.

When organic matter is lost

Used:

mulch;

compost;

leaf litter;

wood chips;

cover crops;

green manure;

perennial herbs;

return of plant residues;

managed grazing;

agroforestry.

In case of water erosion

At first:

the flow rate decreases;

the cover is restored;

the gullies are stabilized;

sediments are retained;

Buffer zones are being created.

Then a new soil layer is gradually formed.

During wind erosion

Applicable:

windbreaks;

shrubs;

herbs;

sand stabilization;

mulch;

surface protective materials;

mosaic moistening;

temporary fences.

When salting

Required:

eliminate the source of salt;

restore drainage;

control watering;

reduce evaporation;

use halophytes;

apply organic matter;

track the movement of salts;

prevent the rise of mineralized groundwater.

In case of contamination

Possible:

hot spot removal;

insulation;

stabilization;

phytoremediation;

microremediation;

bioremediation;

replacement of part of the soil;

controlled non-food landscaping.

Until the soil is proven safe, it is not used for food or feed production.

18. Organic matter as a basis for restoration

Organic matter is the energy source for the soil food web.

It comes through:

root secretions;

dying roots;

leaves;

wood;

grass;

manure;

compost;

remains of mushrooms and animals.

However, organics must be used consciously.

It is necessary to take into account:

origin of the material;

presence of pollution;

carbon to nitrogen ratio;

degree of decomposition;

possibility of weed introduction;

pathogens;

chemical residues;

salt content.

You cannot use unknown waste just because it is called organic.

19. Mulching

Mulch serves several functions:

reduces evaporation;

protects the surface from rain impacts;

reduces temperature fluctuations;

suppresses some weeds;

feeds soil biota;

promotes the development of fungi;

prevents crust formation;

retains organic matter.

The following can be used as mulch:

leaves;

straw;

mown grass;

wood chips;

bark;

chopped branches;

compost;

mineral materials.

The type of mulch depends on the zone.

Wood materials are particularly suitable for:

trees;

shrubs;

forest areas;

fungal soil system.

Grassy and more rapidly decomposing materials are suitable for:

garden areas;

young plantings;

rapid restoration of organic nutrition.

The thickness and composition of the mulch should take into account humidity, climate and the risk of rot.

20. Composting

Composting converts organic waste into a more stable material.

Quality compost can:

introduce microorganisms;

improve the structure;

increase moisture capacity;

maintain plant nutrition;

accelerate the restoration of poor substrates.

The project may use:

compost heaps;

compost sites;

trench composting;

leaf humus;

vermicomposting;

joint composting of plant residues and manure.

Compost should not be considered as the only source of fertility.

A mature system should increasingly produce and process organic matter directly on site.

21. Wood in soil restoration

Dead wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.

She:

retains moisture;

creates an environment for mushrooms;

feeds insects;

protects the surface;

accumulates organic matter;

gradually turns into soil;

creates microrelief;

serves as a refuge for animals.

Used:

fallen tree trunks;

branches;

wood chips;

partially buried timber;

wooden barriers on slopes.

Please take into account:

fire risk;

possible diseases;

origin of wood;

pollution;

proximity of buildings;

influence on water movement.

22. Soil food web

Soil life forms a complex system.

Plants

They transfer part of the carbon into the soil through root secretions.

Bacteria

They decompose simple organic compounds and participate in the cycle of elements.

Mushrooms

They process complex organic matter, bind soil particles and interact with roots.

Protozoa and nematodes

Regulate microorganisms and release nutrients.

Arthropods

They crush organic matter and create micro-spaces.

Earthworms

They mix the material, create channels and process organic waste.

Soil restoration must support the entire network, not just provide soluble elements for quick plant nutrition.

23. Mycorrhiza

Mycorrhiza is the interaction of fungi with plant roots.

Mushrooms can help plants:

receive phosphorus;

absorb water;

develop a larger volume of soil;

interact with microorganisms;

survive stressful conditions.

Plants transfer carbon compounds to fungi.

For the development of mycorrhiza the following are necessary:

living roots;

organic matter;

absence of constant deep soil destruction;

moderate use of soluble fertilizers;

suitable host plants;

time.

The application of commercial preparations does not replace the creation of conditions for a stable fungal community.

24. Deep-rooted plants

Plants with deep roots act as biological cultivators.

They:

penetrate into compacted horizons;

create channels;

raise elements from the depths;

improve infiltration;

stabilize slopes;

feed deep microorganisms;

leave root voids after death.

Restorative mixtures should include different types of roots:

superficial fibrous;

rod;

branched;

rhizome;

woody deep.

Diversity of root systems creates a more voluminous and stable soil structure.

25. Cover crops

The soil should not remain bare for long.

Cover plants:

protect the surface;

reduce erosion;

feed microorganisms;

create organic matter;

suppress some of the unwanted vegetation;

support pollinators;

improve the structure;

regulate the temperature.

Mixtures may include:

cereals;

legumes;

cruciferous;

perennial herbs;

native flowering plants;

ground cover species.

The choice depends on:

climate;

soils;

humidity;

salinization;

stages of succession;

subsequent use.

Species that have the potential to become dangerous invasive plants should not be introduced.

26. The role of trees in water and soil restoration

Trees are not the final decoration of the restored land, but active creators of the soil and water system.

They:

intercept precipitation;

reduce the impact of rain;

retain snow;

reduce wind speed;

create deep root canals;

supply leaf litter;

support mushrooms;

shade the surface;

reduce overheating;

stabilize slopes;

create a microclimate.

However, planting trees too early and densely on extremely poor or dry soil can result in high plant mortality and excessive dependence on irrigation.

Therefore, trees are introduced in accordance with the stage of restoration.

27. Sequence of formation of vegetation cover

Pioneer stage

The following are used:

herbs;

mosses;

lichens;

ground cover;

low shrubs;

plants with a powerful root system.

Tasks:

close the surface;

reduce erosion;

start accumulating organic matter;

create primary biological activity.

Herbaceous-shrub stage

The following are being formed:

perennial herbage;

legumes;

shrubs;

wind protection elements;

flowering zones;

feed base for animals.

Forest-steppe stage

Appears:

individual trees;

groups of trees;

groves;

open meadows;

shrub strips;

water areas.

Forest stage

Developing:

wooden frame;

undergrowth;

forest litter;

mushroom connections;

natural regeneration;

mixed-age structure.

Forest garden stage

After a stable base has been formed, productive species are added:

fruit trees;

nut-bearing;

berry bushes;

medicinal plants;

mushrooms;

forage and honey crops.

28. The need for a mosaic structure

The restored area should not be equally moist and equally fertile at all points.

Natural mosaic includes:

dry uplands;

moderately wet slopes;

fertile lower parts;

temporarily flooded areas;

ponds;

marshy areas;

forest kernels;

open meadows;

areas of poor substrate;

zones of natural succession.

Diversity of conditions creates more ecological niches and increases resilience.

It is necessary to preserve the natural differences of the territory, rather than trying to turn the entire landscape into a uniform agricultural soil.

29. The role of animals

Animals can participate in soil restoration through:

seed dispersal;

introduction of organic matter;

crushing of plant residues;

vegetation regulation;

creation of soil microspaces;

transfer of microorganisms.

Managed grazing can maintain meadows and stimulate growth, but if not managed properly it can cause:

compaction;

destruction of young trees;

erosion;

water pollution;

disappearance of vegetation.

It is necessary to regulate:

number of animals;

grazing duration;

season;

soil moisture;

recovery period;

access to water bodies;

protection of young plantings.

30. Fertilizers and mineral additives

Mineral additives can be applied after soil analysis.

Possible:

liming of acidic soils;

gypsum treatment of individual sodium soils;

introduction of deficient elements;

use of local mineral flour;

adding clay to overly sandy substrates;

addition of sand and structural materials in some heavy soils.

However, mechanical change of composition does not replace biological restoration.

Excess fertilizer can:

pollute water;

disrupt mycorrhiza;

increase the salt load;

create an imbalance of elements;

stimulate unstable growth;

increase plant dependence.

The main guideline is not the maximum concentration of nutrients, but a stable circulation within the system.

31. Special cases of recovery

Sandy areas

Main problems:

poor water retention;

wind erosion;

low organic content;

rapid overheating.

Strategies:

wind protection;

resistant grasses;

shrubs;

organic mulch;

introduction of clay materials during substantiation;

gradual accumulation of humus;

localized irrigation.

Heavy clay soils

Problems:

stagnation of water;

lack of air;

compaction;

crust formation.

Strategies:

permanent vegetation cover;

deep roots;

organic matter;

superficial drainage;

restriction of movement on wet soil;

creation of stable aggregates.

Rocky regolith

Problems:

lack of developed horizon;

low moisture capacity;

extreme temperatures.

Strategies:

retention of dust and organic matter;

pioneer plants;

mosses and lichens;

local landing zones;

stone micro-terraces;

accumulation of fine soil;

gradual biological development.

Volcanic materials and andosols

Volcanic soils may have:

high porosity;

significant moisture capacity;

special mechanisms of phosphorus binding;

low density;

high biological value.

Working with them requires maintaining structure and careful nutritional management.

Man-made soils

You need to install:

origin;

composition;

presence of waste;

pollution;

stability;

water retention capacity;

suitability for roots.

Bulk material that appears to be soil may be environmentally unsafe or physically unstable.

32. Water monitoring

Water regime control includes:

amount of precipitation;

soil moisture;

groundwater level;

consumption of springs;

filling of reservoirs;

infiltration rate;

surface runoff;

water quality;

salinization;

water temperature;

turbidity;

flood events.

Data is recorded:

seasonal;

after heavy rains;

during droughts;

after changing the relief;

after construction of water bodies;

after large plantings.

33. Soil monitoring

Key indicators:

soil profile depth;

organic carbon content;

density;

porosity;

water permeability;

moisture capacity;

stability of units;

pH;

electrical conductivity;

content of elements;

pollutants;

root depth;

number of earthworms;

fungal activity;

rate of decomposition of organic matter;

vegetation cover.

One indicator cannot describe soil health.

For example, a high organic matter content does not guarantee safety if the soil is contaminated. A good chemical analysis does not indicate sustainability if the soil is compacted and biologically depleted.

34. Control areas

For objective assessment, permanent control zones are created.

Compared:

area without intervention;

area with mulch;

cover crop plot;

compost area;

area with trees;

area with water-retaining elements;

area with combined restoration.

This system makes it possible to distinguish the actual effect of the method from natural seasonal changes.

All experimental interventions must be accompanied by:

description of the method;

date;

quantity of materials;

photographs;

tests;

observation;

recording negative results.

35. Stages of water and soil restoration

Stage 0. Security

stopping the flow of pollutants;

isolation of hazardous areas;

water protection;

elimination of emergency drainage;

landslide prevention.

Stage 1. Stabilization

stopping erosion;

surface protection;

reduction of wind load;

temporary vegetation cover;

gully stabilization.

Stage 2. Water return

slowing down of flow;

restoration of infiltration;

rainwater collection;

protection of wet areas;

primary accumulation.

Stage 3. Return of organic matter

mulch;

cover crops;

compost;

leaf litter;

wood;

root biomass.

Stage 4. Restoring soil life

permanent living roots;

mushroom systems;

soil animals;

reduction of destructive processing;

increasing plant diversity.

Stage 5. Formation of structure

grass-shrub mosaic;

deep roots;

tree groups;

water zones;

forest litter.

Stage 6. Sustainable productive system

forest;

forest-steppe;

lick;

natural regeneration;

internal circulation of organic matter;

reducing dependence on irrigation and fertilizers.

36. Criteria for moving to the next stage

The transition is determined not only by time, but also by the state of the territory.

You can move on to creating a permanent forest garden if:

the source of pollution has been eliminated;

water safe;

active erosion has been stopped;

the soil retains moisture;

there is a stable vegetation cover;

soil biota develops;

there is no critical salinization;

secure access has been established;

zones for different purposes have been defined;

care for young plantings is provided.

If these conditions are absent, mass planting of productive trees is premature.

37. Successful Recovery Indicators

In 1-3 years

Expected:

reduction of exposed surface;

reduction of runoff and dust;

the emergence of a stable grass cover;

accumulation of the first organic matter;

improved water penetration;

cessation of growth of small erosive forms.

In 5-15 years

Expected:

increase in organic matter content;

development of shrubs;

deepening the root system;

the appearance of fungal connections;

improving the microclimate;

reduced need for watering;

formation of a young soil horizon.

In 15-50 years

Expected:

stable tree communities;

forest litter;

natural regeneration;

developed soil network;

stable water regime;

increasing biodiversity;

the beginning of sustainable productivity.

In 50–150 years

Expected:

mixed-age forest;

mature soil horizons;

permanent microclimatic zones;

stable internal circulation;

significant reduction in external costs;

formation of a natural and economic ecosystem.

In 150–300 years

The goal is not a fixed state, but the continuation of the life of the system:

change of tree generations;

natural adaptation;

conservation of genetic diversity;

water and soil maintenance;

transfer of responsibility to new custodians.

38. Mistakes to Avoid

It is forbidden:

planting a forest without analyzing the water;

retain water on an unstable slope;

direct contaminated runoff into the ground;

create a pond without a safe overflow;

use salt water without supervision;

leave the soil bare;

introduce unknown waste;

consider fertilizer as a substitute for soil life;

completely remove all dead wood;

use the same scheme for the entire territory;

create dependence on constant intensive watering;

evaluate recovery only by harvest;

carry out deep processing unnecessarily;

begin food production until safety is confirmed.

39. Water and soil passport

For each functional zone the following are recorded:

Water

source;

volume;

seasonality;

quality;

direction of movement;

infiltration;

flood risk;

drought risk;

storage facilities;

irrigation method;

salt balance.

Soil

origin;

depth;

structure;

density;

organic matter;

acidity;

salinization;

pollution;

biological activity;

root zone;

recovery stage.

Management

acceptable actions;

prohibited actions;

target plants;

monitoring plan;

responsible custodian;

data revision deadlines.

40. Main result

The result of water and soil restoration should not be an artificially maintained green space, but a system capable of increasingly better utilizing natural flows.

Healthy Territory:

accepts rain without destruction;

slows down and distributes runoff;

retains water in the soil;

protects sources;

creates organic matter;

supports soil biota;

creates new horizons;

reduces dependence on external irrigation;

produces safe biomass;

supports natural regeneration.

The final formula of DREVO

Water without soil quickly leaves the area. Soil without water loses life. Plants bind water and soil. Microorganisms and fungi transform this connection into fertility. Animals and humans maintain the cycle.

Therefore, soil restoration does not involve a separate irrigation system or a one-time application of organic matter.

This is a sequential return of the ability territory:

take in water → retain moisture → create soil → support life → accumulate fertility → renew itself.