China is one of the most affected countries in the world in terms of extent and economic impact of environmental degradation. Desertification is the most severe environmental land degradation problems facing China, commonly caused by wind erosion. Wind erosion occurs widely in arid, semiarid and dry sub-humid zones of northern China, where precipitation is rare and vegetation is sparse. In China desertified land covers an area of 3.3 million km2, accounting for 34% of the total land territory or 79% of the entire arid lands in China. Annual direct economic loss caused by desertification is approximately $6,500,000,000. The best way to control this problem in China are: (1) rehabilitation of tree plantation for complete desertification control, (2) improvement of the economic development system through: (i) economize in the use of resources; (ii) moderate exploitation of the resources; and (iii) environmental protection; and (3) providing measures that should be suited to local conditions such as irrigation system and forage farming system.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. Geography of the study area
3. Extent of land degradation in China
4. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF LAND DEGRADATION IN CHINA
4.1 Impact of desertification on soil environment
4.2 Impact of soil erosion on crops
5. POSSIBLE MEASURES TO CONTROL LAND DEGRADATION IN CHINA
6. SUMMARY
Research Objectives and Topics
This review article aims to examine the critical environmental issue of land degradation in China, specifically focusing on the extent of desertification and soil erosion, their severe impacts on agricultural productivity, and the evaluation of potential remediation and management strategies.
- Extent and economic consequences of desertification in China
- Mechanisms and environmental impacts of wind-induced soil erosion
- Assessment of soil fertility loss and chemical degradation
- Evaluation of governmental land conservation programs and forest shelterbelts
- Integrated management approaches for sustainable land use
Excerpt from the Book
Impact of soil erosion on crops
China ranks first in the world, with its 1.79 million km2 of land suffering from soil erosion (about 5 billion tons of soil are eroded every year) (Hao, 1995). Research carried out at different areas in China, particularly on erosion (e.g. Su and Zhao, 2003; Li et al., 2003; Zhao et al., 2005) indicated that, the most important soil erosion in the country is erosion by wind. Soil wind erosion has been identified as important process that affects both the surface features and the biological potential of soils (Marticorena et al., 1997). As mentioned earlier, it could lead to loss of fine soil particles (Hennessy and Kies, 1986). Wind erosion occurs widely in arid, semiarid and dry sub-humid zones of northern China, where precipitation is rare and irregular, vegetation is sparse, wind is frequent, and cultivated soils are left to be bare for a relatively long period from harvest of crops in late September to sowing in late April the following year (Zhu and Chen, 1994; Li, 1998).
It is well-known that soil erosion by wind affects the surface soil layers and other important soil components of soil in arid and semiarid areas (Marticorena et al., 1997; Wild, 2003). Wind erosion increased soil coarseness and surface soil deterioration (Su et al., 2002; Gomes et al., 2003). Such deterioration can result in a noticeable decline in organic matter on agricultural fields and finally leads to partial or even complete destruction of soil productivity by reducing porosity and water infiltration rates, damaging soil structure and aggregate stability, as well as storage and availability of nutrients (Kennedy, 1995; Su et al., 2002). These problems of wind erosion have been identified by Lal (1998) as one of the greatest threats to sustainable crop production worldwide.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the global concern regarding land degradation and establishes its status as a major threat to agricultural sustainability in China.
2. Geography of the study area: Describes China's diverse geographical features and land use distribution, highlighting the vulnerability of unproductive areas to degradation.
3. Extent of land degradation in China: Analyzes the significant increase in severe environmental phenomena, such as dust storms, attributed to widespread land degradation.
4. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF LAND DEGRADATION IN CHINA: Details how desertification and wind erosion specifically degrade soil structure, reduce fertility, and diminish crop productivity.
5. POSSIBLE MEASURES TO CONTROL LAND DEGRADATION IN CHINA: Discusses practical remediation strategies, including reforestation, land tenure reforms, and the implementation of integrated management models like E+.
6. SUMMARY: Provides a concise overview of the environmental challenges and the recommended technical and economic strategies for combating desertification.
Keywords
Land degradation, Desertification, Wind erosion, Soil fertility, Sustainable agriculture, China, Environmental protection, Soil productivity, Afforestation, Resource management, Agro-pastoral regions, Conservation programs, Organic matter, Soil structure, Integrated environmental management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper provides a comprehensive review of environmental land degradation in China, specifically examining the causes, economic impacts, and potential solutions for desertification and soil erosion.
What are the central themes addressed in the text?
The core themes include the extent of desertified land, the mechanisms of wind-induced soil loss, the decline of soil quality (fertility and organic matter), and various management strategies to mitigate these issues.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to analyze the severity of environmental degradation in China's drylands and propose effective remediation measures to restore agricultural land productivity.
Which scientific methods are discussed for land management?
The paper discusses technical methods like tree plantation and stubble mulching, as well as management strategies such as land tenure reform and the E+ integrated approach for policy implementation.
What content is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the geographical context of China, the quantification of degraded land areas, the specific impacts of wind erosion on crops and soil chemistry, and governmental conservation efforts.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include land degradation, desertification, wind erosion, soil productivity, sustainable agriculture, and integrated resource management.
How does wind erosion specifically damage agricultural fields?
Wind erosion removes nutrient-rich topsoil particles, increases soil coarseness, reduces water infiltration rates, and destroys soil structure, which together lead to a collapse in crop yields.
What is the significance of the "Three-north forest shelter belt" project?
This massive conservation effort aims to halt desertification and sandstorms across 40% of China's territory by planting millions of hectares of forests and restoring grasslands.
What does the "E+" system represent in environmental management?
The E+ system is an integrated methodology that aligns environmental policies with planning, implementation, and management reviews to manage construction and environmental data effectively.
- Quote paper
- PhD Student Suleiman Usman (Author), 2007, Environmental Degradation in the Drylands of China: Potential Impacts and Possible Remediation Measures: A Review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/174983
