Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #65

What is Desertification

Source

Desertification is the process by which productive and fertile land gradually becomes dry, less capable of supporting plant, and animal life. Desertification happened in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions, mainly due to a combination of climatic variations and human activities. When we are talking about desertification, we aren't referring to land degradation that reduces soil quality, water availability, or vegetation cover.

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What are the different causes of desertification

• Climatic Causes: Prolonged drought and irregular rainfall, Climate change, leading to rising temperatures and reduced soil moisture. Wind and water erosion that remove topsoil

• Human Activities: Understand this we have the following:

• Deforestation: Cutting down trees removes vegetation that protects the soil

• Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock destroys plant cover

• Overcultivation: Continuous farming without allowing the land to recover

• Bush burning: Destroys organic matter and soil organisms

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How do we ameliorate desertification

• Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and shelterbelts to protect soil from erosion. Promoting agroforestry systems

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Crop rotation and mixed cropping, Use of organic manure and cover crops, and Conservation tillage to protect topsoil.

• Controlled Grazing: Rotational grazing systems. Limiting livestock numbers to land capacity

• Soil Conservation Measures: Terracing and contour plowing on slopes and mulching to retain soil moisture