Minimum annual losses from soil erosion in Ukraine make up USD 10 billion. This estimate was made public by Serhiy Bulyhin, Academic-Secretary of the land organization department at the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

"The aired figure means losses from erosion alone. And taking into consideration that there are another two tens of degradation processes in the country, total losses are higher and are comparable with the state budget," he said. He noted that cost of the humus approximately makes up USD 200/ton: "One millimeter of one ha weighs 10 ton. And sometimes, during one heavy fall of rain, 15 millimeters of soil are washed out."

As it has been earlier reported, in Ukraine the State Service for protection of soils may be set up. This state body will observe preservation of soil fertility, will be engaged in estimate of their quality and control activities of land users. Existence of such a structure should ensure fulfillment of provisions of the law "On Soils and their Fertility," which was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada January 18.

According to Bulyhin, before the land market is introduced, it is necessary to ensure tough and efficient control over land users, irrespective of the form of ownership for land. "Every land user should receive a quality certificate for its land plot, which will be a mandatory addendum to the state act for the right of land use, Serhiy Bulyhin said.
 

Ukrinform