Remotely measurable indicators of soil desertification and degradation
based on the reflectivity of the soil in the optical range of 0.6-0.7
mum are discussed. A three-stage scale for determining soil desertifi
cation and degradation has been developed using relations with particu
lar soil properties (content of humus, carbonates, gypsum, and readily
soluble salts as well as the degree of soils and their reflection coe
fficient). The optical contrast between different soil degradation and
desertification stages has been calculated making it possible to dist
inguish four classes of degradation: unchanged and slightly degraded;
moderately degraded; severely degraded; and very severely and complete
ly degraded.