Land Degradation

Land degradation is a human induced or natural process, which negatively affects the capacity of land to function effectively within an ecosystem by accepting, storing and recycling water, energy, and nutrients. Severe land degradation affects a significant portion of the earth’s arable lands decreasing the wealth and economic development of nations. Land degradation cancels out gains advanced by improved crop yields and reduced population growth. As the land resource base becomes less productive food security is compromised and competition for dwindling resources increases the seeds of potential conflict are sown.

Land degradation (including desertification in drylands) is estimated to affect at least one-third of the 328 m ha geographical area in India.

Status and severity of land degradation In degradation process some lands still

have a potential to have vegetative cover while some cannot bear green cover. The land, which can brought under vegetative cover with reasonable efforts is wasteland. Although no land is waste and can be converted into productive land if appropriate techniques used at appropriate time and space.The following four levels of land degradation are recognized based on soil quality:

i) Light: The terrain has somewhat reduced agricultural suitability, but is

suitable for use in local farming systems. Restoration to full productivity is possible through modification of the management system. Original biotic functions are still largely intact;

ii) Moderate: The terrain has greatly reduced agricultural productivity, but is

still suitable for use in local farming system. Major improvements are required to restore productivity. Original biotic functions are partially destroyed.

iii) Strong: The terrain is non-reclaimable at farm level. Major engineering

works are required for terrain restoration. Original biotic functions are largely destroyed; and

iv) Extreme: The terrain is irreclaimable and beyond restoration. Original biotic

functions are fully destroyed.

4.1. Causes for land degradation: Much of the earth is degraded, is being

degraded, or is at risk of degradation. Marine, freshwater, atmospheric, near-space, and terrestrial environments have suffered and continue to suffer degradation. Soil erosion caused naturally by prolonged droughts and by various activities that abuse and over-exploit the natural resources is , in essence, responsible for the advance of deserts. Advancing deserts provide negative feedbacks to the root causes, thereby accelerating the process of desertification further.

The causes of land degradation are mainly anthropogenic and agriculture related. It is basically credited to:

• Increasing biotic pressure • Land clearing

• Non-sustainable use of natural Resources

• Ignorance of traditional way for managing common property resources and failure of new institutions to fill the vacuum.

• Improper land use practices.

4.2. Desertification

The UNCED defined desertification as land degradation in the arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. Characteristics of these areas are:

• Inadequate water resources • Failure in expected rainfall • Low productivity

• Demand for food, fuel and fodder exceeding carrying capacity of land • General vulnerability of biological

• Adaptation in species (floral and faunal) to survive in adverse conditions • Disappearance of susceptible species

Indicators of desertification/degraded ecosystem Physical indicators

Decrease in soil depth

Decrease in soil organic matter Decrease in soil fertility

Soil crust formation/compaction

Appearance/increase in frequency/severity of dust sandstorms/dune formation and movement Salinization/alkalinization

Decline in quality and quantity of ground and surface water

Increased seasonality of springs and small streams Alteration in relative reflectance of land (albedo change)

Biological indicators

Vegetation

Decrease in cover

Decrease in above-ground biomass Decrease in yield

Alteration of key species distribution and frequency Failure of species successfully to reproduce

Animal

Alteration in key species distribution and frequency Change in population of domestic animals

Change in herd composition Decline in livestock production Decline in livestock yield Social/economic indicators

Change in land use/water use

Change in settlement pattern (e.g. abandonment of villages)

Change in population (biological) parameters

4.3.The implication of deforestation, degradation and desertification on environment & livelihood:

The environmental hazards of desertification and deforestation, though distinct, provide mutual feedbacks and are far from being independent of each other. They consequently have similar implications and solutions.

We often assume that land degradation only affects soil productivity. However, the effects of land degradation often have more significant impacts on receiving water courses (rivers, wetlands and lakes) since soil, along with nutrients and contaminants associated with soil, are delivered in large quantities to environments that respond detrimentally to their input. Land degradation therefore has potentially disastrous impacts on lakes and reservoirs that are designed to alleviate flooding, provide irrigation, and generate Hydro-Power.

4.3.1. Implication on Environment: A drastic change in microclimates, which

ultimately leads to ecological change • Reduction in humus formation • Loss of surface biota

• Loss of species diversity • Reduction in carbon sink

• Adverse alteration of ecosystem

• Conversion of potential ecosystem into threatened and fragile ecosystem

4.3.2. Implication on Livelihood:

• Depletion of fuel wood • Depletion of fodder • Agricultural productivity • Only rainfed framing

• Health of humans as well as of livestock • Economic activities such as eco-tourism • Economic loss