The main focus of this book is to describe and analyse the effects of Soviet and post-Soviet agricultural practices on the environment and health, and the effects of agricultural practices, industry and urbanization on the status of soil and other natural resources important for agriculture. The book provides a thorough review of these problems and also responds to several reports claiming that the situation is irremediable. Although environmental problems are severe, the author shows that they are not necessarily the key limiting factor in agricultural production in the short term. Drawing on a range of personal interviews and statistics and on the social, economic and political literature, as well as information on crop production, soil and water use, and the environment, it is shown how the situation may develop in the future, and which are the most important factors to achieve a more positive development. The book thus represents a major addition to the literature and is of interest to agricultural, environmental and social scientists concerned with this region.