Management of Problem Soils in Arid Ecosystems
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Summary
Management of Problem Soils in Arid Ecosystems examines the challenges of managing soils in arid and semiarid regions. These soils contain low organic matter, are not leached, and accumulate lime, gypsum, and/or soluble salts, requiring special management and practices. This book discusses how to identify problems, reclaim the soils, and then use them efficiently and economically. Water management and desertification in these areas are also discussed. It contains extensive references as well as 40 tables and illustrations.
Table of Contents
The Arid Ecosystem
Elements of the Climate
Classification of the Earth to Climatic Regions
Natural Vegetative Cover in Arid Ecosystems
Soils of the Arid Ecosystems
References
Salt-Affected Soils
Introduction
The Size of the Problem
Characteristics of Salt-Affected Soils
Studies Required for Predicting Salinization Due to Upward Movement of Groundwater and its Subsequent Evaporation
Effect of Salinity on Plant Growth and Composition
References
Calcareous Soils
Introduction
Morphology
Physical Properties
Chemical and Fertility Properties
Gypsic Soils
Management of Calcareous Soils
References
Sandy Soils
Introduction
Formation of Sandy Soils
The Sandy Soils in Soil Classification Systems
Physical Characteristics
Management of Sandy Soils
References
Water Management in Arid Ecosystems
Introduction
Technologies for Increasing Water Resources
Management of Rain-Fed Agriculture
Irrigation
Drainage
Use of Low-Quality Water for Irrigation
References
Desertification
Introduction
Soil Degradation
Degradation Versus Desertification
Desertification Due to Sand Movement
Desertification of Rangeland
Desertification Due to Irrigation and Waterlogging
Combating Desertification in Rain-Fed Croplands
Complementary Measures for Combating Desertification
Soil Erosion
Water Erosion
Wind Erosion
Desertification, a Global Challenge
References
Index
