Methodological aspects of soil monitoring on the plains of Dagestan

Methodological aspects of soil monitoring works performed on the plains of Dagestan are discussed. The information system for soil monitoring includes data on the centennial natural and anthropogenic dynamics of the environment, the soil properties, and the soil cover patterns; it also includes long-term forecasts of soil degradation processes and their indicators to be controlled and monitored. Recent changes in the soil cover on the plains of Dagestan have been assessed with the use of new technologies and criteria.