Large-scale ploughing in Ukraine results in more frequent dust storms, opinion

Land ploughing in Ukraine is the most extensive in the world and has reached 56% of the country's territory. This indicator is now approaching 80% of all agricultural land in the country. Hence dust storms may become a frequent phenomenon. This was stated by Mykhailo Apostol, the Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, member of the 7th Parliament.

"Such dust storms are more typical for deserts, semi-deserts and steppe areas where soils are uncovered. They can carry millions of tons of dust, and in this case, the top fertile soil layer, for hundreds or even thousands of kilometers," said Mykhailo Apostol.

In his opinion, only vegetation cover can protect Ukraine from the transformation of domestic black soil (chernozem) into a desert.

"Do we still have a chance to prevent desertification? I think it is remote, but we do. For this we need to differentiate between: on the one hand, understanding of the problem, ecology, life, moisture, health, nature, fauna and flora, legality, responsibility and on the other hand, enrichment, impunity, ignorance, criminal uncontrollability," believes the Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs.

On Apr. 16, central and northern regions of Ukraine were severely hit by dust storms. Experts say that dust storms are more typical for the East and South-East of Ukraine.