Introduction.

1. Introduction. Defining Desertification Causes Problems Why Important? ----------------------------------------------------- Farming and re-vegetation & Case Study Range Management & Case Study Large Scale Techniques & Case Study Conclusion

2. Desert Reclamation via Farming and re-vegetation There are 2 methods to increase vegetation in drylands: 1. Biological Methods: use of vegetation to minimise erosion by protection. Use of existing living vegetation or the residues, to protect the soil. E.g.Stubble Mulching Checker board planting Farming in narrow strips Tillage

3. Cont.. 2. Mechanical methods: manipulate the surface topography in ways such as installing shelter-beds or creating ridges so as to decrease the velocity of airflow. Problems associated with re-vegetation: - Increasing population � Increasing pressure on the land.

4. Sustainable development of the Indian desert. Upgrading animal husbandry to a commercially viable level. Upgrading the quality of animals over time. Greater availability of manure. Encouraging farmers to apply weed control. Rotating pastures with croplands. Planting trees on field boundaries.

5. Range Management Seeks to balance the space-creating and filling processes by adjusting the destructive power to sustain a stable and profitable equilibrium. Based on an established set of scientific principles: - Control of livestock numbers - Rotational grazing �current land condition� v �condition with improved management�

6. Cont.. Two stages in management of rangelands for livestock production: Growth of plants and its conversion to meat, milk, etc. The carrying capacity of the land is used to determine livestock numbers. Rotational grazing is employed as a management tool. Collective grazing of animals with complimentary feeding habits and seasonal migration provides the opportunity for increased rangeland production.

7. The drylands of the 17 Western States of the USA. Heavy concentration of livestock resulted in major damage to rangelands. Improved management from 1941 improved rangeland condition: Legislation & regulations. Reduced stocking levels & adjust seasons of use. Removal of livestock Reduced frequency of use & rest rotation schemes. Fencing & increased use of herders.

8. Large Scale Techniques 1. Sand dune stabilization: Windbreaks: Narrow meshed nets Cuttings and Seedlings 2. Sand dune fixation: Water Oil 3. Irrigation: Sources of irrigation supply - surface and groundwater

9. Irrigation projects in Brazils north-east in 1970s and 1980s. Half of rural development budget invested in irrigation projects. Unsuccessful due to : Lack of consideration for the complex hydrology of the area. Irrigated land became salty. Extremely high costs Large landowners benefited most. Valuable land inundated by reservoirs. Smallholders displaced.

10. Conclusion. Cost Prevention over reclamation Does it work?