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.
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
Biography
A. Monem Balba
