The ensuing study aimed to assess the variations in land-vegetation cover caused by the influence of climate change and human activities. The use of an integrative relationship of various factors helped determine the boundaries of natural and anthropogenic impacts, assessing their pressure level on the ecosystem. In a study from 1999 to 2024, observations on the negative impact of climatic factors progressed on the soil cover of the Nakhchivanchay River basin. Against this background, the temperature increased (approximately 0.19 °C–0.22 °C), precipitation decreased (9.15–9.75 mm), soil moisture decreased (4.95–5.35 mm), degraded soils’ area rose by 2.85%–3.05%, and the area with dense vegetation incurred depletion by 1.75%–1.95%. These climate-based variations can help in the selection of crop types and natural fodder for livestock. On the soil-vegetation cover, human activities have also occurred in negative and positive directions. With positive human activities, it was possible to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and maintain soil fertility and biomass balance. The results showed climate change has consistently degraded soil and vegetation, while human activities can either intensify or alleviate these effects in the Nakhchivanchay River basin. The results highlighted that well-managed land use practices are crucial for reducing climate-driven degradation and enhancing sustainable productivity.
Climate change, human activities, synergistic approach, vegetation density, soil degradation
The study delineates the respective boundaries of climatic and anthropogenic influences on soil fertility and biomass dynamics. The results highlighted that well-managed land use practices are crucial for reducing climate-driven degradation and enhancing sustainable productivity.