Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Mahdi Saghafi (Translator)

Master of Geomorphology, Razi University of Kirmanshah

Abstract

Desertification is a major problem of lands that are located in arid areas of the world and consequently gradually destroyed. Elimination of soil and vegetation has adverse effects, as almost 50% of land degrades as a result of human mismanagement of agriculture and rangelands. A large part of North America and Spain are covered by arid areas that have experienced desertification. Excessive grazing of livestock and felling of forest trees tend to increase desertification in rangelands. Agricultural activities that increase the rate of water and wind erosion play the largest role in consuming water for agricultural products, and mismanagement of water resources may cause salinity and therefore reduce water resources’ potential of utilization. In addition to destruction of vegetation, erosion and salinization, the effects of desertification on the fertile Loess soils can be seen as soil compression and shelling. Urbanization, mining and tourism have undesirable effects on different parts of land because these lands are also categorized as rainfed or irrigated agricultural lands. If there are proper financial sources and practical policies, combating the phenomenon of desertification using known techniques can be of consequence.