Аннотация:This paper is devoted to the problems of ecological economy and, in particular, to the eco-economic assessment of agricultural lands polluted by radionuclides and heavy metals. The major drawbacks of traditional methods of land evaluation are outlined, and a new method is suggested. It combines land evaluation on the basis of economic categories, such as soil fertility, with the assessment of regulatory soil functions directly affecting economic damage caused by the contamination of agricultural lands. Among these functions, the soil capacity to inactivate heavy metals and to transform them into unavailable forms is of major importance. It is also necessary to take into account the shielding capacity of soils with respect to radiation. The factual degree of contamination of agricultural lands with heavy metals and radionuclides is also taken into account. In comparison with our previous publications on this theme, a more detailed substantiation of the method is suggested, the particular mechanisms of its introduction into practice of land evaluation works are discussed, and the economic effect from its application is estimated. The method is refined and supplemented with new materials. In particular, it is recommended to take into account the effect of radioactive contamination of the territory on human health. General philosophical aspects of the concept of sustainable development and ecologically oriented economy are also discussed.