Features of mapping military-degraded soils at the national and regional levels

Abstract

The results of the analysis of the features of mapping militarily degraded soils at the national and regional levels in Ukraine in the context of a full-scale war are presented. Soil degradation includes mechanical damage, compaction due to vehicle movement, formation of explosive craters, and local accumulation of heavy metals and detonation residues. The main difference between national and regional maps lies in scale, detail, accuracy, and mapping purpose: national maps generalize spatial trends of soil degradation, whereas regional maps provide detailed information on specific types, degrees, and mechanisms of damage. A significant part of the de-occupied territories cannot be surveyed due to mine and drone hazards. Compared to pre-war soil degradation studies, modern research relies much more on remote methods due to safety constraints. The study emphasizes digital mapping methods, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing of the Earth (RSE), and digital soil mapping (DSM). The authors assess the potential of medium- and high-resolution satellite data (Sentinel‑2, Landsat, Sentinel‑1 SAR) combined with field observations for quantitative evaluation of soil degradation. Results of creating national-scale digital maps with estimates of degraded soil areas for 2023–2025 are presented, along with regional maps using Kharkiv Oblast and a specific local community as examples. The area of militarily degraded soils doubled over this period, and the range of damage types expanded. The most affected are Black soils about 70%. The authors emphasize that integrated approaches combining RSE, GIS, and field validation, as well as standardization of methodologies, legends, and data systems, are essential for effective monitoring of militarily degraded soils at various territorial levels.