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
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the major environmental challenges facing China, specifically focusing on the extent and economic impact of land degradation, while exploring potential mitigation strategies and remediation measures.
- The scale and severity of desertification and soil erosion in China
- Economic consequences of land degradation on agricultural productivity
- Impact of human activities, such as deforestation and land-use changes, on soil quality
- Analysis of current environmental management and remediation strategies
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
Introduction: Provides an overview of the global significance of land degradation and establishes that desertification is a critical environmental threat to China's agricultural sustainability.
Geography of the study area: Describes China's diverse geographical features and emphasizes that only a small portion of its vast territory is suitable for cultivation, making it vulnerable to land degradation.
Extent of land degradation in China: Outlines the severity of degradation processes, noting that factors like deforestation and human activities have led to an increase in dust storms and desertification.
Potential impact of land degradation in China: Details the catastrophic effects of desertification and wind erosion on soil quality, nutrient availability, and crop yields across China’s arid and semi-arid regions.
Possible measures to control land degradation in China: Examines effective remediation strategies, including reforestation, improved land management, stubble mulching, and the implementation of integrated environmental management frameworks.
Keywords
Land degradation, Desertification, Wind erosion, China, Soil quality, Deforestation, Agricultural sustainability, Reforestation, Soil productivity, Environmental management, Land-use change, Ecological restoration, Nutrient loss, Arid regions, Remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily examines the status, economic impacts, and environmental consequences of land degradation in China, with a specific focus on desertification and wind erosion.
What are the primary themes discussed in this work?
The core themes include the extent of soil degradation, the impact of deforestation, the link between soil health and agricultural productivity, and the efficacy of government-led remediation programs.
What is the central research question?
The research explores the severity of environmental degradation in China and investigates what measures can be taken to mitigate its impact on soil stability and agricultural output.
Which scientific methodologies are applied here?
The paper utilizes a comprehensive literature review approach, synthesizing data from various scientific journals, international project reports, and soil degradation assessments to analyze environmental trends.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the geography of the affected regions, statistical data on land loss, the biochemical effects of erosion on soil fertility, and a critical analysis of current land conservation projects.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include land degradation, desertification, wind erosion, soil resilience, reforestation, and sustainable agricultural development in the context of China.
How has wind erosion contributed to nutrient loss in Chinese soil?
Wind erosion removes nutrient-rich surface layers, increases soil coarseness, reduces porosity, and damages soil structure, which in turn leads to significant losses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.
What role do land tenure systems play in controlling degradation?
Land tenure systems are highlighted as a tool to promote political and economic stability, which encourages farmers to invest more effort into maintaining their land resources and implementing soil conservation practices.
What is the E+ integrated methodology mentioned in the text?
The E+ approach is an integrated management framework that coordinates environmental policies, planning, operational implementation, and ongoing corrective actions to manage environmental performance in construction and land-use activities.
How effective are the Three-North forest shelter belts?
While the program has significantly increased forest coverage (22 million hectares) and restored grasslands, the text notes that these efforts have been crucial in minimizing the spread of desertification in northern China.
- Arbeit zitieren
- PhD Student Suleiman Usman (Autor:in), 2007, Environmental Degradation in the Drylands of China: Potential Impacts and Possible Remediation Measures: A Review, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/175037
