What does desertification mean?

What does desertification mean?

The United Nations’ official definition says desertification is land degradation in typically dry areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. Many things can cause desertification. Drought, overgrazing, fire, and deforestation can thin out vegetation, leaving exposed soil.

What is desertification long answer?

Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry land region becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as climate change and human activities.

How is desertification being managed?

Desertification can be reduced by adopting the following strategies: Planting more trees – the roots of trees hold the soil together and help to reduce soil erosion from wind and rain. Water management – water can be stored in earth dams in the wet season and used to irrigate crops during the dry season.

How can we prevent droughts?

Avoiding Overuse Being mindful of the amount of water you use each day can be a powerful way to prevent droughts. Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, watering your garden early in the morning so less water evaporates, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures all are good ways to prevent wasted water.

What is drought mean?

A drought is defined as “a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to cause serious hydrologic imbalance in the affected area.” -Glossary of Meteorology (1959). Hydrological-occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies are below normal.

Why is desertification irreversible?

Desertification extends beyond the expansion of existing deserts to include land degradation due to human activity in drylands. The ultimate stage of land degradation is irreversible, as the soil becomes sterile and can no longer support the growth of plants.

What are the causes of drought and desertification?

Drought and desertification are closely related phenomena. Inappropriate land use, such as monocultures, and unsustainable land management practices, such as deforestation, unsuitable agricultural practices and overexploitation of water resources), can cause land degradation that can be further aggravated by drought.

Is desertification good or bad?

Desertification and land degradation is “the greatest environmental challenge of our time” and “a threat to global wellbeing”, according to the UN’s top drylands official, who says people must be paid via global carbon markets for preserving the soil.

How do droughts affect farmers?

Drought can increase the price of feed and deplete water stores for animals and other farm uses. Dry conditions can reduce the ability of dairy farmers to grow feed and can also impact the availability and cost of bought in feed. Drought can also deplete water stores for animals and other farm uses.