Desertification Flashcards
desertification is
where fertile land is converted into deserts
what are the causes of desertification
soil erosion, removal of fuel wood, over-cultivation, population growth, overgrazing, climate change
how does soil erosion cause desertification
a lack of plants in the ground means that exposed soil is more easily blown away. soil erosion reduces fertility of land and food production: a real humanitarian risk
how is removal of fuel wood a cause of desertification
logging removes trees and increases soil erosion as there is more exposed soil which is blown away
how is over-cultivation a cause of desertification
planting crops over and over in the same places uses all the nutrients of the soil, making it infertile
how is population growth a cause of desertification?
deforestation to build human settlements, expanding grazing grounds and over-cultivation are all side effects of increased population
how is overgrazing a cause of desertification?
if livestock eat every plant on a plot of land, that causes soil erosion as there is more exposed soil to be blown away
how is climate change a cause of desertification?
enhanced greenhouse effect increases temperatures and aridity making soils more desert like
what are ways to reduce the risks of desertification
soil management, using technology, water management, tree planting
how does soil management reduce the risks of desertification?
allowing areas of land to recuperate and restore nutrients as well as using composters and fertilisers help improve the quality of soil and reduce the exposed soil being blown away
how does using technology reduce the effects of desertification?
Qatar 2022 World Cup suggest artificial clouds used to create shade and reduce aridity. Fences are also used to stop sand entering plots of crops
how does water management reduce the risks of desertification?
crops that aren’t water intensive, e.g. lentils, should be grown in regions at risk of desertification. Drip irrigation uses less water than surface irrigation.
how does tree ol
