Balti Steppe
Encyclopedia
Bălţi Steppe also Beltsy Steppe is a hilly area with few trees (apart from those near rivers Dniestr, Răut
and numerous lakes and creeks), dominated by agriculturally cultivated land, and occasionally by grasses and shrubs, in the northern part of Moldova
. It is characterised by moderate but unstable seasons, generally hot summers and cold winters.
The Bălţi Steppe has a total surface of 1,920 km², 2.7 per cent (51 km²) of it are forests.. The region, as the rest of Moldova, is traditionally an agricultural area, favored by several factors, such as the chernozem
(black earth
).
The untouched natural richness of the northern Moldavian region became known as Bălţi steppe
only in the beginning of the last century.
. Despite the name, Bălţi steppe is not a flatland, but a region dotted with hills.
In Moldova, Bălţi steppe, 1,920 km^2, and Middle Prut Valley, 2,930 km^2 are sometimes together referred to as Moldavian Plain, however one should be warned that in Romania
the latter term is used as a synonym for the Jijia Plain
. Before 1940 the term used to mean Jijia Plain plus Middle Prut Valley plus Bălţi steppe, because the three regions have an identical relief and natural vegetation. To make the things even more complicated, in Moldova sometimes Bălţi steppe and Middle Prut Valley are lumped together into one term, Bălţi steppe.
Together, they cover the municipality of Bălţi
, the districts of Glodeni, Râşcani, and Făleşti, as well as parts of Drochia, Sângerei, and Ungheni districts.
The waters of the Bălţi steppe fall into the Răut river, while those of the Middle Prut Valley fall into the Prut river.
Bălţi steppe has altitudes of cca. 200m, lower than the surrounding Central Moldavian Plateau
(to its south), and Dniester Hills
(to its north and east). The surrounding hills are characterized by deep gorges, and the terms plain and steppe are employed to denote the fact that the area in-between the hill formations is visibly more lean and less slant.
. Nowadays, however, it is intensely farmed, and thus is rendered as a steppe
.
The region is a traditional agricultural area, favored by several factors, such as the black earth
(earth with a very high natural fertility), the tradition, and a high degree of deforestation
that occurred in the 19th century. Over 80% of the land is used for intensive agriculture, and less than 3% are forrests.
Crops, vegetables, commercial plants (such as tobacco), fruit trees (such as apple trees), livestock fodder, and occasionally grapes, potatoes, and berry shrubs are cultivated in the region. The agriculture overwhelmingly dominates traditional vegetation, (deciduous) forests, and occasionally the forest steppe
s. Region's wildlife includes rabbits, roes, storks, geese and ducks, however in the last half-century these species populations declined in numbers because there are only few remaining forest habitats remaining. A traditional horse breeding area, in the last century Bălţi steppe has specialized in livestock (cows, sheep), and poultry.
Two varieties of winter barley "Auriu" and "Sokor", produced by the Bălţi Research Institute "Selecţia", specialized in field crops. They are very productive in the conditions of unstable moistening of Bălţi steppe.
.
Raut
Răut, also referred to as Reut is a river in Moldova, a right tributary of Dniester. Răut, generally navigable until 18-19th century, is navigable today only by small recreational boats.The towns Bălţi, Orhei and Floreşti are located by the river....
and numerous lakes and creeks), dominated by agriculturally cultivated land, and occasionally by grasses and shrubs, in the northern part of Moldova
Moldova
Moldova , officially the Republic of Moldova is a landlocked state in Eastern Europe, located between Romania to the West and Ukraine to the North, East and South. It declared itself an independent state with the same boundaries as the preceding Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1991, as part...
. It is characterised by moderate but unstable seasons, generally hot summers and cold winters.
The Bălţi Steppe has a total surface of 1,920 km², 2.7 per cent (51 km²) of it are forests.. The region, as the rest of Moldova, is traditionally an agricultural area, favored by several factors, such as the chernozem
Chernozem
Chernozem , also known as "black land" or "black earth", is a black-coloured soil containing a high percentage of humus 7% to 15%, and high percentages of phosphoric acids, phosphorus and ammonia...
(black earth
Black earth
Black earth, Black land or Dark earth may refer to:-Locations:* Black Earth, Wisconsin, a village* Black Earth , Wisconsin* Central Black Earth Region, of Central Russia-Soil science:...
).
The untouched natural richness of the northern Moldavian region became known as Bălţi steppe
Steppe
In physical geography, steppe is an ecoregion, in the montane grasslands and shrublands and temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biomes, characterized by grassland plains without trees apart from those near rivers and lakes...
only in the beginning of the last century.
Span and topography
As a geographic area Bălţi steppe is one of the three components of the Moldavian Plain, which in turn is one of the six compenents of the Moldavian PlateauMoldavian Plateau
The Moldavian Plateau is a geographic area spanning northeast Romania, most of Moldova , and most of the Chernivtsi Oblast of Ukraine.-Limits:The Moldavian Plateau is bounded :...
. Despite the name, Bălţi steppe is not a flatland, but a region dotted with hills.
In Moldova, Bălţi steppe, 1,920 km^2, and Middle Prut Valley, 2,930 km^2 are sometimes together referred to as Moldavian Plain, however one should be warned that in Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
the latter term is used as a synonym for the Jijia Plain
Jijia Plain
Jijia Plain is a geographic area in NE Romania . Despite the name, it is not a flatland, but a region dotted with hills, part of the Moldavian Plateau...
. Before 1940 the term used to mean Jijia Plain plus Middle Prut Valley plus Bălţi steppe, because the three regions have an identical relief and natural vegetation. To make the things even more complicated, in Moldova sometimes Bălţi steppe and Middle Prut Valley are lumped together into one term, Bălţi steppe.
Together, they cover the municipality of Bălţi
Balti
Balti can refer to:* Balti language, a language spoken in Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir* Balti people, Muslims of Ladakhi/Tibetan origin from Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir...
, the districts of Glodeni, Râşcani, and Făleşti, as well as parts of Drochia, Sângerei, and Ungheni districts.
The waters of the Bălţi steppe fall into the Răut river, while those of the Middle Prut Valley fall into the Prut river.
Bălţi steppe has altitudes of cca. 200m, lower than the surrounding Central Moldavian Plateau
Central Moldavian Plateau
The Central Moldavian Plateau , or Codru Massif is a geographic area in Moldova. It is the central and SE part of the Moldavian Plateau. It has elevations that in the N-S direction decrease in altitude from 400 m to under 200 m....
(to its south), and Dniester Hills
Dniester Hills
Dniester Hills , also known as Northern Moldavian Plateau is a geographic area that comprises most of the northern Moldova, and parts of the Chernivtsi Oblast of Ukraine...
(to its north and east). The surrounding hills are characterized by deep gorges, and the terms plain and steppe are employed to denote the fact that the area in-between the hill formations is visibly more lean and less slant.
Vegetation and agriculture
The traditional natural vegetation of this area of smooth hills was forest steppeForest steppe
A forest steppe is a temperate-climate ecotone and habitat type composed of grassland interspersed with areas of woodland or forest.-Locations:...
. Nowadays, however, it is intensely farmed, and thus is rendered as a steppe
Steppe
In physical geography, steppe is an ecoregion, in the montane grasslands and shrublands and temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biomes, characterized by grassland plains without trees apart from those near rivers and lakes...
.
The region is a traditional agricultural area, favored by several factors, such as the black earth
Black earth
Black earth, Black land or Dark earth may refer to:-Locations:* Black Earth, Wisconsin, a village* Black Earth , Wisconsin* Central Black Earth Region, of Central Russia-Soil science:...
(earth with a very high natural fertility), the tradition, and a high degree of deforestation
Deforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
that occurred in the 19th century. Over 80% of the land is used for intensive agriculture, and less than 3% are forrests.
Crops, vegetables, commercial plants (such as tobacco), fruit trees (such as apple trees), livestock fodder, and occasionally grapes, potatoes, and berry shrubs are cultivated in the region. The agriculture overwhelmingly dominates traditional vegetation, (deciduous) forests, and occasionally the forest steppe
Forest steppe
A forest steppe is a temperate-climate ecotone and habitat type composed of grassland interspersed with areas of woodland or forest.-Locations:...
s. Region's wildlife includes rabbits, roes, storks, geese and ducks, however in the last half-century these species populations declined in numbers because there are only few remaining forest habitats remaining. A traditional horse breeding area, in the last century Bălţi steppe has specialized in livestock (cows, sheep), and poultry.
Two varieties of winter barley "Auriu" and "Sokor", produced by the Bălţi Research Institute "Selecţia", specialized in field crops. They are very productive in the conditions of unstable moistening of Bălţi steppe.
Poets and personalities about Bălţi Steppe
- In the 5th century BC, HerodotusHerodotusHerodotus was an ancient Greek historian who was born in Halicarnassus, Caria and lived in the 5th century BC . He has been called the "Father of History", and was the first historian known to collect his materials systematically, test their accuracy to a certain extent and arrange them in a...
visited the countryside between the rivers Dnister and PrutPrutThe Prut is a long river in Eastern Europe. In part of its course it forms the border between Romania and Moldova.-Overview:...
and described the place as "a plain with deep black earth, rich in grass and well irrigated".
- Lithuanian Prince JogailaJogailaJogaila, later 'He is known under a number of names: ; ; . See also: Jogaila : names and titles. was Grand Duke of Lithuania , king consort of Kingdom of Poland , and sole King of Poland . He ruled in Lithuania from 1377, at first with his uncle Kęstutis...
spoke of MoldaviaMoldaviaMoldavia is a geographic and historical region and former principality in Eastern Europe, corresponding to the territory between the Eastern Carpathians and the Dniester river...
as "a rich and fructiferous country".
- According to the testimony of Venetian Mateus de Murano, "the country was very well located, rich with cattle and all kinds of fruits, pastures are perfect".
- Rich natural resources of Moldavia/Bălţi steppe always attracted nomads. Fleeing their devastating incursions, inhabitants of Moldavia/Bălţi steppe left the brooded places and hided in forests. French knight Guilbert de Lannoy, who visited these places in 1421, has mentioned insignificant population of the region: "we moved through large deserts".
- Counsellor of Hungarian King George Reihersdorf (middle of 16th century) was complaining of travel through "empty, uninhabited lands". In 1541, he produced the first geographical map (preserved to this day) of the Principality of Moldavia, with rivers Dnister and PrutPrutThe Prut is a long river in Eastern Europe. In part of its course it forms the border between Romania and Moldova.-Overview:...
shown, as well as cities and other localities, but also highlighted large steppes.
- A map of Moldavia was drawn by the German diplomat Sigismund von HerbersteinSigismund von HerbersteinSiegmund Freiherr von Herberstein, , was an Carniolan diplomat, writer, historian and member of the Holy Roman Empire Imperial Council...
. On his map one can see woodless spaces - Bălţi steppe in the north, and Bugeac SteppeBugeac steppeThe Bugeac steppe is located in the south of Moldova from the Dnister to Prut rivers reaching down to the Black Sea. It’s the biggest steppe in Moldova and site of the foundation of most of the country’s ethnic minority colonies....
in the south.
- In the 17th century, pilgrims Pavel Aleppskii (a Syrian deacon) and Ioan Lukianov (a Russian priest) traveled on their way to the Holy landHoly LandThe Holy Land is a term which in Judaism refers to the Kingdom of Israel as defined in the Tanakh. For Jews, the Land's identifiction of being Holy is defined in Judaism by its differentiation from other lands by virtue of the practice of Judaism often possible only in the Land of Israel...
through Moldavia/the Bălţi steppe. These two travelers were stricken by the disastrous state of the land that used to blossom: "It better be not ravaged, as no other such can be found, it may yield any kind".
- English traveler John Bell, who also visited Moldavia/Bălţi steppe, and wrote about fecund soils and "small nice towns" - speaking of BălţiBaltiBalti can refer to:* Balti language, a language spoken in Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir* Balti people, Muslims of Ladakhi/Tibetan origin from Baltistan in Pakistan and Ladakh in Kashmir...
and other localities situated next to RăutRautRăut, also referred to as Reut is a river in Moldova, a right tributary of Dniester. Răut, generally navigable until 18-19th century, is navigable today only by small recreational boats.The towns Bălţi, Orhei and Floreşti are located by the river....
.
- Russian geographer K. Laksman described Bălţi steppe in the beginning of the 19th century: "To the north is located a steppe with almost no trees at all. To the north-west the steppe is not as woodless".
- Scientist K. Arseniev mentioned that the north of BessarabiaBessarabiaBessarabia is a historical term for the geographic region in Eastern Europe bounded by the Dniester River on the east and the Prut River on the west....
is "a genuine mix of arid steppes with most fertile pastures, rich meadows and gardens".
- Travelers and scholars were amazed by the contrast between rich natural resources of Moldavia/Bălţi steppe and its low population in war torn 18th century, pitiful state of agriculture, as well as the poverty of the local population.
- "Desert, waste, naked steppe... The settling among limitless expanses of Bălţi steppe happened not "in accordance" with logic, but "against" it. The life of remote ancestors of Bălţiers was full of difficulties and crosses, but they managed to resist."
- "Moldavian fields, as described by both ancient and contemporary writers, are great in their fertility, by far surpassing the richness of the mountains" (Dimitrie CantemirDimitrie CantemirDimitrie Cantemir was twice Prince of Moldavia . He was also a prolific man of letters – philosopher, historian, composer, musicologist, linguist, ethnographer, and geographer....
, "Descriptio Moldaviae"
- "Will someone describe Bessarabian steppes, indeed, they do merit a description. However for this, one needs the talent of unforgettable Gogol, who has so beautifully depicted us the steppes of his homeland. And Bessarabian steppes are not less beautiful." (Constantin Stamati-CiureaConstantin Stamati-CiureaConstantin Stamati-Ciurea was a Romanian writer and translator from Bessarabia. The son of Constantin Stamati, he followed in his father's footsteps as an author of prose, plays, and translations...
)
Population
First human settlements appeared on the territory of Bălţi steppe in ancient times. Archaeological excavations witness that the humans settled here as early as Stone AgeStone Age
The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric period, lasting about 2.5 million years , during which humans and their predecessor species in the genus Homo, as well as the earlier partly contemporary genera Australopithecus and Paranthropus, widely used exclusively stone as their hard material in the...
.