Desertification

• What does desertification mean?

  Degradation of land making it drier
• What is the process of desertification?

  Vegetation dies or is removed, exposing soil
• What fraction of Earth is at risk of desertification?

  One third
• What happens to soil when vegetation is removed?

  Soil is easily removed by wind or water
• What is the first main cause of desertification?

  Climate change
• How does climate change affect rainfall?

  It is expected to reduce rainfall in dry areas
• What is the effect of less rain on plant growth?

  Less water is available for plant growth
• What happens to water due to higher global temperatures?

  More water evaporates from the land
• What is the second main cause of desertification?

  Human activities
• How does the removal of fuel wood contribute to desertification?

  It leaves the soil exposed
• What is overgrazing?

  Too many animals eat plants faster than regrowth
• What is over cultivation?

  Planting crops in the same area continually
• What is a consequence of over cultivation?

  Nutrients in the soil are used up
• What are the four strategies to reduce desertification?

  1. Water management

  • Grow crops needing little water
  • Use drip irrigation

  1. Tree planting

  • Act as wind breaks
  • Stabilize soil and roots

  1. Soil management

  • Leave land to rest
  • Rotate crops

  1. Appropriate technology

  • Use sustainable materials
  • Build easy-to-maintain structures
• How can water management reduce desertification?

  By growing crops that need little water
• What is the benefit of using drip irrigation?

  It prevents soil and nutrient erosion
• How do trees help in desertification management?

  They act as wind breaks and stabilize soil
• What is the purpose of leaving land to rest?

  To allow recovery of nutrients
• Why is crop rotation important?

  It prevents continual nutrient removal
• What is appropriate technology in desertification management?

  Using cheap, sustainable materials for maintenance