The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

part of  practical implementation of  PASs [8].
The PAS technology can be implemented following the assessment of  heterogeneity of  physical, 
physicochemical and agrochemical parameters of  soil within the field. A geostatistical computer 
processing of  data is conducted with the aim to differentiate field parts by three levels of  fertility: 
(i) optimal or near optimal – no need for soil treatment; (ii) intermediate – standard ameliorative 
treatments are needed and (iii) low – more complex treatments are needed.
Field studies conducted in the Sukhaya Steppe by the Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry 
Research named after O.N. Sokolovsky (2012 – 2015) revealed that a standard chemical amelioration 
(application of  gypsum and ammonium nitrate) of  an abandoned
Dark Chestnut soil with a residual weak alkalinity can produce a positive effect on the productivity 
of  winter wheat and sorghum. The results obtained present the prospect of  saving about 60% of  
calcium-containing ameliorators and 30% of  nitrogen fertilizers by implementing PAS on alkaline 
soils in the Sukhaya Steppe [8].
Practical implementation of  precision agriculture requires purchase of  special equipment for 
differentiated soil tillage and application of  fertilizers and ameliorators, as indicated by the analyses 
of  field maps. Successful application of  precision agriculture also implies that agricultural practice 
should acquire new resource-saving, soil-protective, innovative and competitive technologies that 
can help with technological renovation and increase the economic potential of  farming businesses. 
Experiences of  Western European countries and the 'Druzhba-Nova' Agro Company in Chernihiv 
(Ukraine) demonstrate that the implementation of  precision agriculture requires a single payment 
of  100-150 thousand USD to farmers for purchasing equipment and materials, which can be paid 
back in 1-3 years (depending on the size of  land area). The experimental site at the 'Druzhba-Nova' 
Agro Company can be used as a PAS demonstration project in Ukraine. Precision agriculture 
is a growing trend in leading agricultural producing countries, where it is gradually replacing 
traditional agricultural systems.

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Soil salinity manаgement manual | Part I.Soil salinity management in the Eurasian Region 
5.4. Biosaline technologies and approaches to the management of 
salt-affected agricultural lands under arid climate conditions (by 
examples in Central Asia and Transcaucasia)