Joint Research by ASU Scientists and Federal Research Center of Agroecology of RAS Will Help Prevent Dust Storms

The hottest issue for Astrakhan Region on preventing the degradation of agricultural land will be resolved, among other things, through interaction between Astrakhan State University and the Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Integrated Reclamation and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, located in Volgograd.

Currently, the Federal Research Center of Agroecology of RAS is studying in detail the phenomenon of sandstorms, one of which caught three regions in May, upon instructions from RF Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and is developing practical recommendations for combating the degradation and desertification of agricultural lands in Astrakhan Region. This June, a center for combating desertification of territories was formed at the Federal Research Center of Agroecology.

In order to improve the work of this center, effectively address issues of preventing land degradation, developing complex land reclamation, restoring partially degraded lands and the ones affected by desertification, as well as developing the agro-industrial complex of Russia, a cooperation agreement was signed between Astrakhan State University and the Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Integrated Land Reclamation and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The programme of interaction between ASU and the Center implies joint research activities in the field of fundamental and applied research and training of scientific personnel.

According to Rector of Astrakhan State University Konstantin Markelov, combating land desertification must be ensured with scientific support.