What is desertification?
Desertification, the process by which natural or human causes reduce the biological productivity of drylands (arid and semiarid lands). Declines in productivity may be the result of climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, poverty, political instability, unsustainable irrigation practices, or combinations of these factors. The concept does not refer to the physical expansion of existing deserts but rather to the various processes that threaten all dryland ecosystems, including deserts as well as grasslands and scrublands.
How can we solve the problem?
Adopting Responsible Agricultural Practices
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1
Use seed drills instead of tilling to prevent erosion. Farmers typically till the land to sow seeds and aerate the soil. This process works but also removes crop residue, which contributes to deforestation. Purchase a seed drill and use that instead. This tool creates small pockets for the seeds to go in but leaves the crop residue in place.[1]
- You can find seed drills online or wherever you purchase your other farming supplies. Ask an employee to recommend one that’s a good fit for your needs.
-
2
Try non-traditional rotations to help restore the land. Non-traditional crops are ones that replace crops that don’t grow well anymore. They can also be specific crops that would really help feed the local community. To do your part to prevent desertification, try switching up what you grow. Non-traditional crops are helpful because they tend to be heartier and may require less irrigation and soil maintenance. Good crops to consider are:[2]
- Barley
- Wheat
- Sunflowers
- Chickpeas
- Millet
- Sorghum
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3
Increase crops and reduce the amount of grazing to reverse change. Huge herds of grazing animals can have devastating effects on the land. If you raise both animals and crops, consider reducing the size of your herd. Plant crops on the land that you no longer need for grazing.[3]
-
4
Rotate your herds to different grazing areas to protect plants. Overgrazing by livestock can speed desertification. Periodically move your animals to a different grazing area so that plants and the soil have time to renew. How frequently you do this will depend on where you live and what type of natural vegetation grows on your land.[4]
- Contact a local expert, maybe from a nearby university, to ask for advice.
-
5
Consider updating your irrigation system. Depending on where you farm, you might be able to make changes to improve your irrigation system. Desertification is often caused by drought, so if you can irrigate your land, you can help prevent that. If your irrigation system hasn't been updated in several years, there might be a newer, more effective, and efficient system you could try. Look into earth dams as a possible solution. These dams can store water during the wet season and you can use that to irrigate crops during the dry season.[5]
- Talk to other farmers or local experts that live in your region. Irrigation practices vary widely, so it’s a good idea to gather advice from those who have first-hand knowledge of your environment.
-
6
Plant trees to prevent erosion. Trees and their roots help keep the soil from blowing away, causing more desertification. For the best results, plant trees that are native to your region. They will adapt best to the local climate and also help sustain other native plants.[6]
- Allow the trees to grow naturally so that they might replicate the original ecosystem.
- You can also try planting other native plants. They can have similar benefits as trees.
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7
Research best practices in your region. Where you live has a lot to do with how you can best prevent desertification. Reach out to a local university and ask for information. They should have an agricultural extension office that can provide you with a lot of resources. You can also head to your local library and ask a librarian to point you towards some good sources.
- Talk to other farmers in your area to find out what their best practices are.
1
Use seed drills instead of tilling to prevent erosion. Farmers typically till the land to sow seeds and aerate the soil. This process works but also removes crop residue, which contributes to deforestation. Purchase a seed drill and use that instead. This tool creates small pockets for the seeds to go in but leaves the crop residue in place.
2
Try non-traditional rotations to help restore the land. Non-traditional crops are ones that replace crops that don’t grow well anymore. They can also be specific crops that would really help feed the local community. To do your part to prevent desertification, try switching up what you grow. Non-traditional crops are helpful because they tend to be heartier and may require less irrigation and soil maintenance. Good crops to consider are:
3
Increase crops and reduce the amount of grazing to reverse change. Huge herds of grazing animals can have devastating effects on the land. If you raise both animals and crops, consider reducing the size of your herd. Plant crops on the land that you no longer need for grazing.
4
Rotate your herds to different grazing areas to protect plants. Overgrazing by livestock can speed desertification. Periodically move your animals to a different grazing area so that plants and the soil have time to renew. How frequently you do this will depend on where you live and what type of natural vegetation grows on your land.
5
Consider updating your irrigation system. Depending on where you farm, you might be able to make changes to improve your irrigation system. Desertification is often caused by drought, so if you can irrigate your land, you can help prevent that. If your irrigation system hasn't been updated in several years, there might be a newer, more effective, and efficient system you could try. Look into earth dams as a possible solution. These dams can store water during the wet season and you can use that to irrigate crops during the dry season.
6
Plant trees to prevent erosion. Trees and their roots help keep the soil from blowing away, causing more desertification. For the best results, plant trees that are native to your region. They will adapt best to the local climate and also help sustain other native plants.
7
Research best practices in your region. Where you live has a lot to do with how you can best prevent desertification. Reach out to a local university and ask for information. They should have an agricultural extension office that can provide you with a lot of resources. You can also head to your local library and ask a librarian to point you towards some good sources.