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This position paper elaborates on the significance and implications of the world's soil systems as climate regulators in their still unexploited potential to fight climate change and in the aspiration of modern society aiming at sustainable use of resources and safeguarding of life on the planet.The paper stresses the importance of Soil Management and Land Conservation as essential tools for the longevity of civilizations.Under the current climate change, there is a close relationship between climate factors and soil performance, but soil influences climate parameters, making it an important climate regulator.The text calls for a vision that recognizes soil as a natural system with socio-economic benefits and ecological functions and mentions the European Green Deal and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as initiatives addressing soil and land issues.The text emphasizes the need for a profound and intelligent radical change in environmental, social, and economic approaches to address climate change. It highlights the responsibility of the current generation to make the right choices for the planet and future generations.

Background: In recent decades, the Loess Plateau is one of the regions in China that urgently needs ecological governance due to the severe situation of soil erosion and land desertification. Due to the impact of climate change and human activities, the threat to the ecological space security of the Loess Plateau has intensified. This paper reveals the time lag effect of ecological engineering construction on the changes in the ecosystem service capacity index of the Loess Plateau, providing a scientific basis and decision-making reference for the sustainable development of the study area and improving the quality and management of ecological engineering construction, which is of great significance for building a solid ecological security barrier on the Loess Plateau. Methods: Based on the hierarchical analysis method, quantitative indicator method, spatial correlation analysis method and two-way fixed effect model, this paper analyzes the temporal and spatial changes of the ecosystem service capacity index of the Loess Plateau under the background of ecological engineering implementation. Results: The results showed that: 1) the vegetation coverage of the Loess Plateau increased with the increase of the area of ecological engineering construction, and showed a fluctuating growth distribution characteristic from southeast to northwest in space; 2) the water conservation capacity index, wind and sand fixation capacity index, biodiversity capacity index and comprehensive service capacity index of the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 all showed exponential growth, which were highly coupled with the growth and change of vegetation coverage area in time and space; 3) the cold spots and hot spots of the ecosystem service capacity index of the Loess Plateau showed a step-by-step decrease of "hot in the south and cold in the north" in spatial distribution; the hot spots and sub-hot spots showed a reciprocating cycle from aggregation to fragmentation in time and space; the cold spots and sub-cold spots were mainly distributed in the northwest region. 4) The changes in the ecosystem service capacity index of the Loess Plateau were mainly affected by factors such as the cumulative project implementation area, urbanization rate and precipitation. Conclusion: The construction of ecological engineering on the Loess Plateau has achieved remarkable results. The growth of vegetation coverage area and ecosystem service capacity index on the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 has promoted the recovery of ecosystem functions. Therefore, we should actively promote the construction of ecological projects to provide scientific decisionmaking references for solving regional ecological security issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling between modern electric power physical and cyber systems is deepening. An increasing number of users are gradually participating in power operation and control, engaging in bidirectional interactions with the grid. The evolving new power system is transforming into a highly intelligent socio–cyber–physical system, featuring increasingly intricate and expansive architectures. Demands for stable system operation are becoming more specific and rigorous. The new power system confronts significant challenges in areas like planning, dispatching, and operational maintenance. Hence, this paper aims to comprehensively explore potential synergies among various power system components from multiple viewpoints. It analyzes numerous core elements and key technologies to fully unlock the efficiency of this coupling. Our objective is to establish a solid theoretical foundation and practical strategies for the precise implementation of integrated planning and operation dispatching of source–grid–load–storage systems. Based on this, the paper first delves into the theoretical concepts of source, grid, load, and storage, comprehensively exploring new developments and emerging changes in each domain within the new power system context. Secondly, it summarizes pivotal technologies such as data acquisition, collaborative planning, and security measures, while presenting reasonable prospects for their future advancement. Finally, the paper extensively discusses the immense value and potential applications of the integrated planning and operation dispatching concept in source–grid–load–storage systems. This includes its assistance in regards to large-scale engineering projects such as extreme disaster management, facilitating green energy development in desertification regions, and promoting the construction of zero-carbon parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most critical environmental hazards for the viability and productive development of crops, especially in a climate change environment. To this end, drought assessment is a process of paramount importance to make vulnerable agricultural regions more resilient. The primary aim of this paper is an integrated drought assessment through time and space in one of the most susceptible (in terms of water availability limitations) and agriculturally productive regions in Greece and the Mediterranean, namely, the Thessaly region. Supplementary objectives consist of the determination of the two most extreme years in terms of drought and wetness, so that we may reveal any potential climatological cycles/patterns from 1981 to 2020. Additionally, the methodology includes the annual and seasonal analysis using one of the most widely used drought indices, namely, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), so that consistent measurements are available across a large study area, avoiding the possible scarcity/deficiency of data coming from a sparse land weather network. The innovative element of this paper is the integrated spatiotemporal drought assessment in multiple time scales through the estimation of the SPI making use of remotely sensed data, such as CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data). The outcomes highlight that the study area faced two severe years of drought in 1988 and 1989, which led to moderate and extreme drought conditions, respectively. In contrast, extremely wet conditions were observed in 2002–2003, whereas 2009–2010 experienced moderately wet conditions. The central and western part of the region tends to suffer the most in terms of drought severity, especially at the most extreme years. The validity of the results has been confirmed by the adoption of R2 where the index is approaching 0.67 despite the large size of the pixels (5 × 5 km). In this context, the mapping of spatial and seasonal variability across the study area permits more targeted measures (e.g., precision farming) instead of horizontal policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst desertification (KD) is a major ecological and environmental problem threatening human survival and development in karst areas. In order to explore the research situation and development trend of KD based on forest ecology, this paper provides a systematic literature review based on the CNKI and WoS databases, which involves search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis. We performed a statistical and visual analysis of 2955 studies acquired between 1 January 1995 and 30 June 2023, including the time distribution of the studies, hot research trends, pivotal research clusters, literature co-citations, main publishing trends, and keyword bursts. The results show the following. (1) The literature shows a fluctuating growth trend, and the research trends are divided into accumulation, development, and expansion stages. (2) The pivotal research clusters comprised three major aspects: study area and method, driving and genetic mechanisms, and control technology and models. (3) KD research forms a China-centered research network, dominated by institutions and scholars in southwestern China. (4) Future research needs to solve a series of related scientific issues and technological needs for forest ecosystem function optimization, ecological product supply capacity enhancement, ecological product value realization, ecological industry formation, and rural revitalization in KD control. The purpose of this paper is to reveal research trends relating to KD and highlight the future direction of KD research and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Agriculture is the main industry in northeast China. As an important part of facility agriculture, agricultural greenhouses are playing a more and more important role. Due to geographical location, Northeast China is cold in winter, and the solar radiation energy is less, therefore, the large-span greenhouses commonly used in northeast China are prone to uneven temperature and insufficient heating. In this paper, in order to solve the phenomenon of uneven air flow field, humidity field and temperature field in greenhouse, based on AIRPAK simulation, four kinds of hot air heating return air modes, such as upper air supply and lower air return mode, lower air supply and upper air return mode, two-side air supply mode and left air supply and right air return mode, we explored the influence of temperature field, humidity field and air flow field in greenhouse. The results showed that the heat load of the greenhouse in winter is 161.51 kW, using two-side air supply mode is the best way. The air supply wind speed is 1.6 m/s, and the return wind speed is 3.1 m/s. The environment of the greenhouse can be maintained at about 15°C day and night, and the relative humidity is relatively uniform. In the crop growing area, the wind speed is between 0 m/s and 0.25 m/s. According to this research, suitable crops can be selected for reasonable planting and distribution in the greenhouse to maximize productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to stop and reverse land degradation and curb the loss of biodiversity, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development proposes to combat desertification. In this paper, a fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment is studied. The pattern behavior of the fractional model is much more complex than that of the integer order. We study the stability and Turing instability of the system, as well as the Hopf bifurcation of fractional order α , and obtain the Turing region in the parameter space. According to the amplitude equation, different types of stationary mode discoveries can be obtained, including point patterns and strip patterns. Finally, the results of the numerical simulation and theoretical analysis are consistent. We find some novel fractal patterns of the fractional vegetation–water model in an arid flat environment. When the diffusion coefficient, d, changes and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure changes from stripes to spots. When the fractional order parameter, β , changes, and other parameters remain unchanged, the pattern structure becomes more stable and is not easy to destroy. The research results can provide new ideas for the prevention and control of desertification vegetation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to a mathematical model with diffusion and cross-diffusion to describe the interaction between vegetation and soil water. First, the existence of Hopf bifurcation and cross-diffusion-driven Turing instability are discussed. Then, based on the nonlinear analysis, we obtain the exact parameters range for stationary patterns and show the dynamical behavior near Turing bifurcation point. It is found that the model has the properties of gap, strip and spot patterns. Moreover, the small water-uptake ability of vegetation roots promotes the growth of vegetation and the transitions of vegetation pattern. But with the continuous increase of the water-uptake ability of vegetation roots, the local vegetation biomass density increases and the isolation between vegetation patches also increases, which may induce the emergence of desertification. In addition, our results reveal that the water consumption rate induces the transitions of vegetation pattern and prohibits the increase of vegetation biomass density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Arid Land Studies is the property of Japanese Association for Arid Land Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Globally, land degradation is becoming a grave concern. Over the years, conditions such as drought, extreme weather events, pollution, changes in land use land cover, and desertification have intensified and led to land degradation, affecting both ecological and economic processes. Equally, during the last two centuries, population and urbanization have amplified manifold and increased the demand for additional food and shelter, resulting in alteration in land use land cover, over-grazing, and over-cultivation, loss of nutrient-rich surface soil, greater runoff from the more impermeable subsoil, and reduced water availability. Geographically, Goa is a highly diversified state. It is sandwiched between the West Coast and the Western Ghats. The state is blessed with beaches, mangroves, backwaters, wetlands, wildlife sanctuaries, evergreen forests, barren lands, and other vital ecosystems. The State of Goa, on average, receives more than 3000 millimeters of rainfall annually with high surface runoff. Using both primary and secondary data, this study sought to investigate and quantify the state's land degradation. Secondary data came from satellites and other sources, while primary data came from field observation and ground truthing. Land degradation factors related to soil loss and the spatial pattern of soil erosion are predicted and evaluated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) method. Landsat-8 OLI-TIRS images were utilized to decide land use and cover (C factor), while DEM information was utilized to assess (LS factor). A soil map and rainfall data were collected to acquire a better understanding of soil erodibility (K factor) and rainfall erosivity (R factor). The kriging interpolation technique was used to gain a deeper comprehension of land degradation. The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the concept of integrated land degradation and how it affects the environment of Goa. Using remote sensing data and geostatistical methods, the study creates a comprehensive map of land degradation in the region by identifying and analyzing the various forms of land degradation in Goa. The paper also looks at how rainfall and the amount of land cover affect the rate of soil erosion in Goa. According to the findings, intense rainfall makes the eastern part of Goa particularly susceptible to soil erosion, and bare soil has a greater potential for erosion than vegetated land. The paper concludes that comprehensive land degradation mapping can be a useful tool for developing efficient land management strategies to preserve soil and encourage sustainable development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yunnan is located in the center of the east-Asian karst area, one of the three largest karst areas in the world. Rocky desertification is widespread in the area, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of local social economy. In this study, we summarize the research status and achievements of rocky desertification in Yunnan mainly from three aspects, rocky desertification zoning, governance model and vegetation restoration in rocky desertification areas. The results show that rocky desertification areas in Yunnan are divided into 2 large areas and 5 small ones. After years of exploration, 23 kinds in 4 categories of rocky desertification control models have been formed, and 435 kinds of plant species can be used for ecological restoration in rocky desertification areas, including 376 species of shrubs and 59 species of herbs. Finally, combined with geographical location, climate and altitude, this paper preliminarily summarizes the suitable restoration vegetation, and points out the shortcomings in the studies on the control of rocky desertification, so as to provide an important theoretical reference for the subsequent research on the restoration and control of rocky desertification vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southwest China is one of the three largest continuous karst clusters in the world; therefore, studies on karst rocky desertification in this area are very important. For more than 20 years' control, the decreasing area and risk of karst rocky desertification has contributed to the continuous ecological improvement. Nowadays, studies on rocky desertification mainly focus on the eight provinces in Southwest China, which have been designated as rocky desertification monitoring areas by the Chinese government. After the first phase of the comprehensive control project for karst rocky desertification in 2016, the expansion trend of rocky desertification in the southwest region was effectively curbed. Subsequent articles published tend to focus on analyzing the current situation, comprehensive management, or species adaptability of rocky desertification monitoring areas. However, the Qinba region in Shaanxi Province is located outside the monitoring area. In the process of studying the karst geological relics of the Zhenba Sanyuan Tiankeng Group, signs of rocky desertification have been found, but there still exists a research gap in the investigation and research on karst rocky desertification in this area which is one of the areas with the richest biodiversity in China, known as "ecological lung", "central water tower" and "biological gene bank". Unfortunately, this area is burdened with poverty, so the investigation and study of karst rocky desertification in the Qinba region of Shaanxi Province is of great significance to ensure green and high-quality development and ecological civilization construction. In this paper, by analyzing the current situation of karst rocky desertification in Southwest China, we summarized its harm to the ecological environment and social economy, clarify natural and human factors resulting in rocky desertification, and integrate the typical treatment experience in Southwest China. We also introduce three technical methods, including remote sensing interpretation, UAV remote sensing survey and analysis of carbonate dissolution rate, to provide a scientific basis for studies on karst rocky desertification in the Qinba region of Shaanxi Province. Study results show that the area of karst rocky desertification in the Qinba region covers 63.37 km², and the areas of severe, moderate and mild rocky desertification cover 17.97 km², 21.60 km² and 23.80 km², respectively. Based on the survey results, there are both regional differences and some similarities in distribution patterns in the areas of rocky desertification development. Specifically, the degree of rocky desertification in the limestone area is more severe than that in the dolomite area. It is also more severe in the area with developed water system than that in the arid and semi-arid area, and the more active the new structure is, the more severe the rocky desertification is. Compared to the Southwest China, the degree of karst rocky desertification in the Qinba region of Shaanxi Province is relatively light, with a smaller distribution area, mainly due to the less rainfall in the study area. The karst rocky desertification in Beiyang mountain of Zhen'an county is the most severe, with an area of 7.28 km². In the 1960s, a large-scale free-range of livestock severely damaged vegetation. The indiscriminate deforestation by humans further exacerbated the process of rocky desertification. The rocky desertification in Hailuogong village of Shanyang county is also severe, covering an area of 5.83 km², because the landform in this area is a typical peak-cluster depression, which is likely developed into rocky desertification. The contradiction between people and land needs to be solved urgently. In conclusion, more monitoring and research efforts are needed in Beiyang mountain and Hailuogong where the rocky desertification is severe. Firstly, we should clarify the causes of rocky desertification in the Qinba region and compare them with the causes in Southwest China to determine whether the rocky desertification is mainly resulted from natural factors or human factors. Secondly, we should know how to clarify the causes of karst rocky desertification in the Qinba region; for example, we can dynamically monitor the change of rock desertification by field verification, remote sensing interpretation, climate change analysis, etc. We can also calculate the contribution rate of each influence factor by geographical detector model. Thirdly, we should further study influence factors of karst dissolution rate. We can monitor physical and chemical properties of soil (soil moisture, carbon dioxide concentration, pH, organic matter content and porosity) in areas with moderate to severe rocky desertification, and analyze the relationship between dissolution rate and physical and chemical properties of soil in rocky desertification areas. Finally, in order to provide basic data for carbon neutrality research in Shaanxi, we should conduct studies on the carbon sink of rocky desertification areas in the Qinba region, with the methods such as dissolution test pieces and hydrochemical runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How global warming affects human development is a central question for economists as well as social scientists. While most of the literature has focused on the impact of weather on income, less is known on the relationship between climate and local human development. This paper considers shocks in precipitation, temperature, and an original measure of soil aridity to first exploit the association between climate warming and human development, and second, on its dimensions. We show that while precipitations do not have a significant long-term impact on human development growth, variations in temperature and potential evapotranspiration negatively affect two of the three determinants of the Human Development Index, namely life expectancy at birth and education. These results suggest that other climate indicators, such as the potential evapo-transpiration of the soil, should be considered in addition to the standard indicators, when evaluating the localized economic effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate has undergone great changes in recent decades, which has a significant impact on the vegetation system, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Based on a dynamic model, this paper studied the response of vegetation pattern to climate change in Qinghai Lake, a typical semiarid region. The conditions for Turing instability of the equilibrium were obtained by mathematical analysis. The numerical experiments showed the influence of different climitic factors (carbon dioxide concentrations [CO2], temperature and precipitation) on vegetation pattern. The results showed that the robustness of the vegetation system was enhanced as precipitation or [CO2] increased. Furthermore, we presented evolution of vegetation system under different climate scenarios to forecast the future growth of vegetation. We compared the various climate scenarios with representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5). The results revealed that RCP2.6 scenario was a desired climate scenario for Qinghai Lake. Our study also highlighted the measures to avoid desertification by the method of optimal control. We expect that this study will provide theoretical basis for vegetation protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early and reliable detection of land degradation helps policymakers to take strict action in more vulnerable areas by making strong rules and regulations in order to achieve sustainable land management and conservation. The detection of land degradation is carried out to identify desertification processes using machine learning techniques in different geographical locations, which are always a challenging issue in the global field. Due to the significance of the detection of land degradation, this article provides an exhaustive review of the detection of land degradation using machine learning algorithms. Initially, the current status of land degradation in India is presented, along with a brief discussion on the overview of widely used factors, evaluation parameters, and algorithms used. Consequently, merits and demerits related to machine learning-based land degradation identification are presented. Additionally, solutions are prescribed in order to reduce existing problems in the detection of land degradation. Since one of the major objectives is to explore the future perspectives of machine learning-based land degradation detection, areas including the application of remote sensing, mapping, optimum features, and algorithms have been broadly discussed. Finally, based on a critical evaluation of existing related studies, the architecture of the machine learning-based desertification process has been proposed. This technology can fulfill the research challenges in the detection of land degradation and computation difficulties in the development of models for the detection of land degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, managed forest ( MF) and natural forest ( NF) in the Huajiang Demonstration Zone of Guanling, Guizhou were selected as research objects, and cropland ( CL) was taken as control. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to study the characteristics of fungal community composition and species diversity in the surface ( 0 - 10 cm) soil of each restoration measure, in order to reveal the dominant soil fungal groups and fungal community composition in karst rocky desertification areas, which was conducive to a more comprehensive understanding of the soil conditions of different vegetation restoration measures. Research has shown that vegetation restoration significantly affected the diversity of soil fungal community, with significant increases in Sob index, Ace index, and Chao index. The vegetation restoration has significantly changed the composition of fungal community. The dominant fungi in the CL topsoil are Sordariomycetes (62. 28%), Dothideomycetes (12. 34%), and Eurotiomycetes (9. 12%); the dominant fungi in the MF soil are Sordariomycetes ( 45. 05%), Dothideomycetes ( 14. 74%), and Mortierellomycetes ( 10. 40%) ; the dominant fungi in the NF soil are unclassified fungal community (26. 38%), Sordariomycetes ( 19. 78%), and Agaricomycetes ( 13. 82%). Vegetation restoration has changed the key fungal groups in the soil. Sordariomycetes, Fwarium, and Setophoma are the key dominant fungal groups in CL soil; Dioszegia is key dominant fungal group in MF soil; c_unclassified_k_Fungi, p_unclassified_k_Fungi, o_unclassified_k_Fungi, f_unclassified_k_Fungi, g_unclassified_k_Fungi, Teichospora, and Diaporthe are key dominant fungal groups in NF soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province and a bridgehead city facing South Asia and Southeast Asia. With the rapid development of Kunming's economy and society, the urbanization rate continues to increase, and the quality of the ecological environment in this area is also changing rapidly. How to quickly and accurately obtain the temporal and spatial pattern evolution of Kunming's ecological environment quality and explore the driving factors is of great significance to the realization of ecological environmental protection and sustainable development of Kunming. In this paper, the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform is used to use the long-term Landsat remote sensing image data to mask the water body, extract greenness, dryness, humidity and heat, and construct the remote sensing ecological index RSEI through PCA. Using spatial analysis methods such as cold and hot spot analysis and center of gravity migration to explore the evolution of the spatio-temporal pattern of ecological environment quality in Kunming from 2000 to 2019, and use single-factor analysis and interactive detection in geographic detectors to analyze its internal driving forces. The results show, (1) From 1995 to 2019, the quality of the ecological environment in Kunming showed a trend of first increasing-then decreasing-then increasing. The overall ecological environment quality was in a general state in the past 25 years, but the ecological environment continued to improve. (2) In the past 25 years, the ecological environment quality grade area of Kunming City is, medium ecological environment area > good ecological environment area > poor ecological environment area > poor ecological environment area > excellent ecological environment area. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the ecological environment quality presents The spatial distribution pattern of high in the southwest and poor in the northeast. (3) From 1995 to 2019, the centers of the standard deviation ellipse of Kunming's ecological environment were relatively close to each other, and the major axes all showed a south-north direction. (4) In Kunming, the ecological environment quality is poor in areas with concentrated rocky desertification, concentrated water and soil erosion, concentrated population and rapid urban expansion, while areas with better ecological environment mostly have higher vegetation coverage. Population and slope are the human activity factors and natural factors that dominate the spatial distribution of ecological environment in Kunming, respectively. Slope, population and GDP, together with other factors, have a significant impact on the quality of ecological environment in Kunming. (5) In the future, Kunming City should rigorously prioritize the protection of key ecological areas, enhance ecological conservation and restoration efforts, optimize land use and development, continuously enhance the quality of the ecological environment, and achieve synchronous and sustainable development of the ecological environment and the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, we are confronted with the presence of two significant transformations. The emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, social media, Industry 4.0, and Society 5.0 is significantly impacting the behavior of individuals, societies, and countries in the 21st century. The second transformation pertains to various critical issues such as climate change, desertification, food and water security, and the future of life on our planet. This paper aims to analyze the impact of emerging technologies on mitigating climate change. The central inquiry at hand is whether humanity possesses the ability to transform the ongoing digital revolution into effective climate action. Specifically, we will analyze the fundamental question. Do digital technologies and information management contribute to the problem or offer a solution? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the linkages of climate change and desertification, sensitivity to desertification, and the combined effects of these environmental hazards on land productivity. The objective of this study is to investigate the multifaceted nature and impact of climate change and desertification in Babura and identify ways to reduce their impact on the environment. This study applied adjusted MEDALUS methodology (Mediterranean desertification and land use) using ten (10) indicators that affected the study area. Remote sensing and GIS were the main techniques used in indices computation and mapping. Erdas imagine 9.2 software was used for the supervised classification to first achieved categorization of image in land use land cover (LULC) thematic features. Shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) data using spatial analyst tool in ArcMap (extension of ArcGis 10.3) was used to extract digital elevation model and generated from it slope gradient. The ten indicators were integrated into ArcMap and each weighted from 1 to 2 using weighted overlay in ArcMap; thus, the higher the weighting the higher the sensitivity to land degradation. The ten indicators were categorized into climate, soil, and vegetation indicators based on most significant available parameters quantified and assessed on their perceived influence on desertification. The reclassification of climatic indicators, particularly the areas of high rainfall against the areas of low rainfall, assumed higher weighting indicating higher sensitivity to land degradation. Approximately 48.72% of the study area, with Babura being particularly critical, is highly sensitive to desertification, while most of the study area (676.79–5950.44 m2) consists of areas with very low erosion protection quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Loess Plateau, a region of remarkable ecological and economic value, grapples with significant water management challenges due to its distinctive geology and climate. This perspective offers a short review of the eco-environmental protection measures undertaken in the Loess Plateau, underscoring the transformative impacts of initiatives such as the "Grain for Green" project. However, it also highlights the enduring challenges, including land degradation, water resources issues, socio-economic inequities, and the implications of climate change. Particularly, water management emerges as a pivotal issue with far-reaching repercussions for soil conservation, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. The paper concludes by proposing future actions, emphasizing the necessity for policy modifications, novel initiatives, and research to tackle these challenges and foster sustainable development in the Loess Plateau. The insights gained from this region could offer invaluable lessons for other regions confronted with similar challenges, thereby contributing to global efforts to mitigate desertification and champion sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification is showing a trend of overall reversal and partial expansion in the agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China (APENC). Dune–interdune is the typical micro-topography in APENC and is the expansion area of desertification. Research on anti-desertification strategy at dune–interdune is of great significance to further anti-desertification. This paper studies the vertical differentiation of land use and ecosystem service intensities at dune–interdune in APENC. The fundamental reason of the vertical differentiation of land use and ecosystem service intensities is explored with monitoring data of soil moisture at different locations of dune–interdune. Cultivated land is mainly distributed in areas with an elevation < 241 m. Grain provisioning ecosystem service intensity (GPESI) and maize leaf provisioning ecosystem service intensity (MLPESI) show a downward trend with the increase in elevation at dune–interdune. GPESI has a tipping point at the elevation of 241 m. Forage provisioning ecosystem service intensity and sand fixation regulating ecosystem service intensity are high in areas with low or high elevations while low in the central area. Groundwater depth is the root cause for vertical differentiation of land use and ecosystem service intensities at dune–interdune. According to vertical changes of land use and ecosystem service intensities, and groundwater level, cultivated land with an elevation greater than 241 m should be stopped for cultivation to anti-desertification. The area of dune–interdune within 6 m of groundwater depth can be used as cultivated land. The conclusion has an important reference for other similar regions in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conflict between grassland ecosystem conservation and economic development is an important but challenging question. Realizing the value of ecosystem services (ES) is considered to be a solution for the dual sustainability of ecology and economy. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding of value realization of grassland ES, especially in the karst desertification (KDC) area, which is still at an exploratory stage. We obtained 527 studies from 48 countries in the past 20 years through the Scopus database, and systematically reviewed the current understandings and practices by the content analysis method, and enlightened the inspiration for the grassland in the KDC area. Results showed that: (i) Over the past 20 years, the literature number showed a fluctuating growth trend, and the study areas are mainly concentrated in economically developed countries with rich grassland resources; (ii) Pathways such as grassland management and payment for ecosystem services (PES) are widely used to improve grassland ES and human well-being, and most studies have shown positive effects; (iii) Their performance is significantly impacted by stakeholders, governments, as well as the attributes of ES, and a path of government-led, stakeholder participation and market-oriented operation should be explored; and (iv) There are still some knowledge gaps, such as, uneven distribution of study areas, few effective pathways for realizing the public grassland ES value, and deficient linkage mechanisms of "grassland ES-industry developmenteconomic system feedback-ecosystem protection," and so on. Based on our findings, we not only make recommendations for the current dilemma of realizing the value of grassland ES, but also put forward the enlightenments to the grassland in the KDC area based on experiences and lessons learned from global practices. The results can provide theoretical guidance for the ecological protection and sustainable development of grasslands in fragile areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LAND degradation is one of the most important consequences of climate change that has socioeconomic repercussions world-wide, particularly in Egypt's Nile Delta region. It is therefore essential to inform of timely measurements of land degradation and identify its causes for the security of populations living on and near the Nile Delta. This paper calculates the Environmental Sensitivity Index using the MEDALUS-GEE (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use in the Google Earth Engine) approach within two of Egypt's most climate-affected governorates, Alexandria and Beheira, on the district level. Results show that most of the districts in Alexandria is highly sensitive to climate change and is unsuitable for farming owing to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The rise in sea level leads to the submergence of many lands. Besides, as a result of the geological composition of the region, seawater seeps into groundwater, all of which in turn was reflected in the rise in soil salinity. Also, the highest degree of land degradation and/or desertification was found in the hinterland of the Beheira Governorate, including high soil salinity and groundwater, which makes it difficult to undertake land reclamation and cultivation. Hence, the study suggests a crop suitability plan for the areas under study, particularly those highly subjected to land degradation and desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification in karst is an effect of climate change and not sustainable anthropogenic activities, the combination of which, however, causes the gradual loss of karst natural resources, such as soil, vegetation, and groundwater. A considerable percentage of global karst areas is found in drylands, characterized by negative water balance and scarce presence of soils. High fragility of the karst environment, and its vulnerability to land degradation and pollution because of the peculiar anisotropic setting, environmental dynamics, and of the direct connection between the surface and the subsurface, are at the origin of the severe problems deriving from desertification processes in karst. In addition to natural drivers, such as geology and topography, karst desertification is generally due to four main factors, mostly or partly related to human activity: deforestation, improper land use, groundwater overexploitation, and climate changes. Through the analysis of a collection of studies conducted in several karst territories around the world, the present paper aims to provide an overview of the processes leading to desertification risks in karst areas. Emphasizing the need to preserve these fragile environments, characterized by peculiar features and precious freshwater resources, this review summarizes the main situations at the global scale of rocky desertification in karst, at the same time providing indications for developing innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches addressed toward mitigation of the risk related to desertification in karst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeolian sandy soil and loess soil of the Mu Us Sandy Land are used as the research material in this study to investigate the effect of soil compounding on the improvement of aeolian sandy soil and to provide a feasible approach for sand prevention and sand control. In particular, loess soils were compounded at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% by volume percentage of the compounded soils. The improvement benefits of compounded soils on their textural properties, water-holding capacity, and fertilizer-retention capacity at different blending ratios were evaluated. The results showed that following the compounding of aeolian sandy and loess soils, with the increase of the loess proportion, the texture type of the compounded soil transforms from sandy soil to loamy sandy soil to sandy loam to loamy soil to powdery loam. Moreover, granular gradation was observed, the bulk density gradually decreased, the capillary porosity gradually increased, and the performance of water- and fertilizer-holding properties gradually increased and strengthened. The spatial variability of compounded soil bulk density, capillary porosity, and the water-holding and fertilizer-retention properties was almost entirely controlled by the proportion of loess soil. A theoretical basis is provided in this study for aeolian sandy soil improvement in the Mu Us Sandy Land that can be extended to similar areas, providing a feasible sand management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Strategically managing livestock grazing in arid regions optimizes land use and reduces the damage caused by overgrazing. Controlled grazing preserves the grassland ecosystem and fosters sustainability despite resource limitations. However, uneven resource distribution can lead to diverse grazing patterns and land degradation, particularly in undulating terrains. Methods: In this study, we developed a herbivore foraging algorithm based on a resource selection function model to analyze foraging distribution patterns, predict the probability of foraging, and identify the determinants of foraging probability in cattle. The study area was a complex desert landscape encompassing dunes and interdunes. Data on cattle movements and resource distribution were collected and analyzed to model and predict foraging behavior. Results: Our findings revealed that cattle prefer areas with abundant vegetation in proximity to water sources and avoid higher elevations. However, abundant resource availability mitigated these impacts and enhanced the role of water points, particularly during late grazing periods. The analysis showed that available resources primarily determine foraging distribution patterns and lessen the effects of landforms and water distance on patch foraging. Discussion: The results suggest that thoughtful water source placement and the subdivision of pastures into areas with varied terrain are crucial for sustainable grazing management. By strategically managing these factors, land degradation can be minimized, and the ecological balance of grassland ecosystems can be maintained. Further research is needed to refine the model and explore its applicability in other arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstable airflow driven by natural wind forces inside a grass aerial seeding tower is a technical problem that needs to be improved. The authors used FLUENT 2020 R2 to simulate a basic nozzle unit, which is the fundamental component of a grass aerial seeding tower. The interior flow characteristics of the tower were first analyzed. Then, an optimization was undertaken to enhance the internal airflow's uniform stability, taking the cross-sectional inclination angle as the design parameter. The coefficient of variation, uniformity index, and velocity direction index were considered as constraints. The simulation results indicate that, subsequent to traversing the Laval nozzle unit, the grass seeds undergo a considerable acceleration. At an inclination angle of 15°, while ensuring the attainment of desired exit velocities, a commendable balance of uniformity and directional consistency was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification, a formidable environmental challenge with broad implications for ecosystems and communities, is examined within Jahun Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Nigeria. This study uses a Cellular Automata Markov Chain Analysis model to visualize and predict the associated environmental risks. Objectives include assessing the extent and rate of desertification in the region and forecasting the process until 2080. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research integrates unsupervised classification of Landsat images, Land Use Land Cover (LUCC) analysis using MODIS data, Maximum Likelihood classification, and cubic trend analysis. The outcomes yield a comprehensive understanding of desertification dynamics in Jahun Local Government Area, identifying susceptible areas for environmental degradation. The study revealed significant changes in various land cover types within the research area. Urban areas experienced a substantial annual increase of 6.3030 km2, suggesting dynamic transformations within urban landscapes, possibly driven by shifts in population density, infrastructure development, or land use patterns. Conversely, vegetation exhibited a higher rate of change, with an annual decrease of 9.3787 km2, indicating variations in vegetative cover. Waterbodies displayed minimal changes, with a slight reduction rate of 0.2723 km²/year. In contrast, bare lands demonstrated a notable increase, expanding at a rate of 15.9541 km²/year, underscoring significant alterations in these regions. The observed variations in rates of change emphasize the dynamic nature of land cover in the study region and underscore the importance of understanding these changes for effective environmental management and policymaking. The study's predictions up to 2080 offers crucial insights for stakeholders and policymakers, facilitating the formulation of proactive monitoring and management strategies to effectively combat desertification and mitigate its adverse effects on ecosystems and livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaumuria songarica, a drought‐resistant shrub, is widely distributed and plays a crucial role in the northern deserts of China. It is a key species for desert rehabilitation and afforestation efforts. Using the Maxent model to predict suitable planting areas for R. songarica is an important strategy for combating desertification. With 184 occurrence points of R. songarica and 13 environmental variables, the optimized Maxent model has identified the main limiting factors for its distribution. Distribution patterns and variation trends of R. songarica were projected for current and future climates (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) and different scenarios (ssp_126, ssp_370, and ssp_585). Results show that setting parameters to RM (regulation multiplier) = 4 and FC (feature combination) = LQHPT yields a model with good accuracy and high reliability. Currently, R. songarica is primarily suitable for desert control in eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Ningxia. The total suitable planting area is 148.80 × 104 km2, representing 15.45% of China's land area. Precipitation (Precipitation of the wettest month, Precipitation of the warmest quarter, and Annual precipitation) and Ultraviolet‐B seasonality are the primary environmental factors limiting the growth and distribution of R. songarica. Mean temperature of the warmest quarter is the primary factor driving changes in the distribution of suitable areas for R. songarica under future climate scenarios. In future climate scenarios, the suitable planting area of R. songarica will shrink, and the distribution center will shift towards higher latitude, potentially indicate further desertification. The area of highly suitable habitat has increased, while moderately and less suitable habitat areas have decreased. Increased precipitation within R. songarica's water tolerance range is favorable for its growth and reproduction. With changes in the suitable cultivation area for R. songarica, priority should be given to exploring and utilizing its germplasm resources. Introduction and cultivation can be conducted in expanding regions, while scientifically effective measures should be implemented to protect germplasm resources in contracting regions. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for addressing desertification resulting from climate change and offer practical insights for the development, utilization, introduction, and cultivation of R. songarica germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing shifts in climate, coupled with human activities, are leading to significant land desertification; thus, understanding the long-term variations in ecosystem services as well as the driving factors has a significant value for ensuring ecological security in ecologically fragile arid regions. In this study, we used the RUSLE, RWEQ, CASA, and InVEST models to evaluate five typical ecosystem services (ESs) from 1990 to 2020 in the Gonghe Basin, including soil conservation, sand fixation, carbon sequestration, water yield, and habitat quality. Then, we analyzed the trade-offs between ESs and proposed scientific indications. Finally, we identified the driving mechanisms of ES spatiotemporal variations. The results showed that (1) the ecosystem services in the Gonghe Basin have, overall, improved over the past 30 years. Soil conservation, sand fixation, carbon sequestration, and water yield showed upward trends, while habitat quality showed a downward trend. (2) The relationships between ESs in the Gonghe Basin were characterized by strong synergies and weak trade-offs, with significant spatial heterogeneity in terms of the trade-off intensity. In addition, the implementation of ecological engineering may strengthen the intensity of the trade-offs. (3) Among all the factors (temperature, precipitation, wind speed, NDVI, land use type, slope, DEM and soil type) that affected ESs, NDVI had the greatest impact, and the explanatory power was 49%, followed by soil type. The explanatory power of the interactions between each factor was higher than that of a single factor, and the interaction between NDVI and soil type had the greatest impact. ESs increased by 12% mainly due to the implementation of ecological engineering projects and natural factors. The most suitable area for ESs was the southeastern edge of the Gonghe Basin. Our study will enrich the understanding of the mechanisms of ecosystem services in drylands and provide a scientific basis for the future implementation of ecological engineering on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification in semi-arid environments poses a significant risk to the archaeology within arid and semi-arid regions. Due to multiple political and physical barriers, accessing desertification-prone areas is complex, complicating pathways towards generating a hands-on understanding of the time–depth and distribution of archaeology throughout these regions. This research developed a remote sensing methodology to determine the areas of Sistan experiencing the highest levels of desertification and the threat of that desertification to known and potential archaeology. As desertification processes are occurring rapidly, this work's methodology is straightforward and efficient. In a region of vast archaeological value, desertification threatens to prevent archaeologists from potential insight and discovery. This work showcases the opportunity for remote sensing to work as a tool for accessing archaeology in physically inaccessible desertification-prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Desertification is a major challenge for the sustainable development of arid and semiarid regions worldwide. The major novelty of this study lies in assessing, for the first time, the desertification degree changes in the Algerian green barrier using remote sensing and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach from 1984 through 2020. Four widely used remote sensing indices (LSA, NDVI, TGSI, and PDSI) were used in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform as indicators of desertification in the study area. The results of the accuracy assessment of the generated desertification degree maps for 1984, 2000, and 2020 show high Kappa coefficient values exceeding 80%. Overall, the degree of desertification of the green barrier increased from 1984 to 2020. The area of medium degree has decreased from 15393.21 km2 (37.70%) to 9624.43 km2 (23.57%) between 1984 and 2020, respectively; whereas the area of high degree has increased from 23907.08 km2 (58.55%) to 30502.52 km2 (74.70%) for the same period. The combination of remote sensing and the AHP technique has proven to be effective in the spatiotemporal monitoring of the desertification degree particularly in data–scarce regions. Our findings emphasize the high expansion of desertification across the green barrier area, which information is essential for adopting adequate strategies for desertification control in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Sahel, land ownership is significantly influenced by the complexity of hierarchical, ethnic, and tribal aspects as well as communal, religious, and state rights. This complicates the development of large-scale ecological projects. This study investigates the positive and negative experiences that have changed the method and attitude of agencies in Mauritania to providing a holistic and ecosystemic approach to conservation and restoration. The physical environment and society's perception of applied restoration measures are of great importance for reducing environmental degradation and promoting future actions. Interviews with stakeholders helped understand the social reality and impact of restoration and management measures taken on the communities. The results of this study revealed that measures such as fencing plots, preventing the passage of livestock, and stabilizing sand dunes noticeably improved the vegetative cover of the soil in the Sahel. This improvement in vegetation cover has had direct effects on the improvement of soil quality indicators such as organic carbon content, pH, soil structure, color, and texture. Different stakeholders have shown considerable involvement in projects, positively valuing their implementation and observing improvements in their daily lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame is a major annual oil crop that is grown practically everywhere in tropical and subtropical Asia, as well as Africa, for its very nutritious and tasty seeds. Rising temperatures, droughts, floods, desertification, and weather all have a significant impact on agricultural production, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to examine the influence of climate change on the sesame yield in North Gondar, North Ethiopia, by using the autoregressive distributed Lag (ARDL) time series model. This study employed climate data from the Bahirdar Agrometeorological Center and secondary data on sesame production from the Ethiopian Statistical Service, spanning 36 years, from 1987 to 2023. Autoregressive Distributed LAG (ARDL) includes diagnostic tests for both short- and long-term autoregressive models. The results for the long-run and short-run elastic coefficients show a significant positive association between temperatures and sesame yield. Sesame yield and rainfall have a significant negative long-run and short-run relationship in North Gondar, North Ethiopia. ARDL results confirm that temperature and rainfall have significant effects on sesame productivity. Temperature had a considerable favorable effect on sesamen production, but rainfall had a negative effect in North Gondar, Ethiopia. Based on the evidence acquired from our study, we made several policy recommendations and suggestions to government officials, policymakers, new technologies, researchers, policy development planners, and other stakeholders in order to develop or implement new technology to halt its production and direct adaptation measures in light of the certainty of global warming and the characteristics of climate-dependent agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the research on the deterioration of soil properties under the influence of wind erosion in the "Todakol massivi" in the northern part of Qorovulbazar district of Bukhara region. In particular, the effects of natural stress factors on the growth and development of pasture plants such as white haloxylon (Haloxylon persicum L.), black haloxylon (Haloxylon aphyllum L.), sagebrush (Artemisia tenuisecta L.), tamarisk (Tamarix hispida L.), harmel (Peganum harmala L.), seta (Salsola sclerantha L.), alhagi (Alhagi sparsifolia L.), sagebrush (Salsola arbuscula L.), black redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexuss L.), sedges (Carex physodes L.), downy brome (Bmomus tectorum L.), barley (Eremopyrum Orientale L.), salty crabgrass (Aeluropus litoralis L.), alhagi (Alhagi psudoalhagi L.), which are widespread in the region, are highlighted. In particular, soil erosion due to the wind in the area and the amount of easily soluble salts in water were determined and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification processes in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid conditions have been enhanced in recent decades. The geospatial database and associated satellite data can be effectively employed for regional planning to address desertification and land degradation. In this study, the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model has been used to map environmentally sensitive areas due to desertification in the Satara and Sangli districts of Maharashtra, India. This was achieved by combining Landsat-8 multispectral data, Census data, soil data, and climatic variables like temperature, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. The algorithm of MEDALUS is the geometric mean of four indicators, namely soil quality index (SQI), climate quality index (CQI), vegetation quality index (VQI), and socio-economic quality index (SEQI). The findings indicated that the majority of the study area comes under the potential category of desertification (60.32%) followed by fragile (27.87%) and critical (11.81%). Areas with a high propensity for desertification were found over the low to very low climatic quality and moderate to high soil quality including lower socio-economic quality. The lower socio-economic quality is mainly due to high to very high population density (>100 people/km2), low to moderate illiteracy rate (<16%), and low to moderate work participation rate (<50%) that incentivize unsustainable land use practices. The study provides a valuable tool for understanding and managing natural resources. It offers a detailed analysis of the environmental sensitivity of the study area, taking into account various factors like land use, vegetation cover, slope, and soil erosion potential. The developed comprehensive map of the area helps in identifying the most sensitive regions and developing appropriate conservation strategies. The information obtained from the study can be utilized to develop and implement successful measures to prevent or alleviate desertification, which is crucial for sustaining the health of ecosystems and the welfare of local residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, rapid climate change has severely impacted people's lives globally, affecting their safety and sustainability. Water, a vital human resource, has been severely affected, with drought and high temperatures leading to desertification, the drying up of rivers and lakes, spontaneous fires in forests, and massive floods and torrents due to melting ice and rising sea and ocean surface water levels. The expected impacts of climate change on the Nile, Egypt's primary water source, are significant. These impacts can vary across regions, depending on factors like local climate, socio-economic dynamics, topography, and environmental nature. Upper Egypt, characterized by arid and semi-arid regions, faces water scarcity and socio-economic development challenges. Climate change exacerbates these issues, posing significant threats to the region's ecological sustainability and socio-economic development. Therefore, it is crucial to address these impacts to ensure the Nile's continued vitality and sustainability. The study aims to analyze the climate change data over the past few decades, analyze its characteristics, and model its effects on Upper Egypt's water sources. The study expected a big decrease in the water resources of the Nile. While what is currently occurring in terms of fluctuating rainfall rates between scarcity and severity contradicts the results of those studies, that is the best evidence of the need for further research and studies to obtain more reliable and consistent results with the reality that it may help decision-makers to develop scenarios to manage climate change effectively, preventing or reducing negative effects, and finding suitable alternatives. Studies predict a 10% decrease in Nile revenue at Aswan High Dam Lake by 2095, with some predicting a 30% increase. This lack of credibility underscores the need for more comprehensive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Local Media for Democracy (LM4D) project is the first project that explores news deserts in Europe comprehensively. Its final report highlighted challenges and opportunities for local and community media and identified the level of risk of news deserts in the 27 European Union (EU) Member States. As a pilot project, however, its results are still preliminary and open to evaluation, and, thus, they require further discussion and corroboration. Drawing from these results, and applying a multidisciplinary approach, we extrapolated research directions for the study of news deserts in the EU. By cross-analyzing data from the LM4D dataset with other datasets, we provide a preliminary analysis of three promising lines of research: (1) the relationship between public service media quality and news deserts, (2) news deserts and the spread of disinformation, and (3) social media usage and news desertification. We conclude by pointing out the limitations of this preliminary analysis and opportunities for further research on news deserts in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation restoration in dryland regions may be a powerful way to control desertification and promote local habitat recovery. In these artificial revegetation systems, ecosystem processes and functioning are strongly determined by nitrogen (N) availability, while soil inorganic N (SIN) is the major available N form and is absorbed as a main N source for plants. However, SIN dynamics, their influencing factors, and their relative importance to the ecosystem of these N‐limited systems are not well understood. A field investigation was conducted to examine the monthly variations in SIN and its response to planting age and vegetation type in a typical artificial sand‐fixing system in northwestern China. The SIN content in topsoil (0–20 cm) during the growing season ranged from 7.10 to 95.65 mg kg−1, with a mean value of 27.14 mg kg−1. Soil nitrate N had a dominant role in determining SIN monthly dynamics, which showed a fluctuating trend with two peak values in early July and late August. SIN showed a significant increasing trend with the planting age of sand‐fixing vegetation, and it was highest for Nitraria sphaerocarpa (55.66 ± 5.76 mg kg−1), followed by Haloxylon ammodendron (29.81 ± 3.47 mg kg−1) and interspace (11.39 ± 1.13 mg kg−1). SIN displayed a hump‐shaped relationship with air temperature (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.01) and had a maximum at 19.88°C. The change rate of SIN was positively correlated with accumulated precipitation (R2 = 0.99, p < 0.05). SIN was correlated significantly with soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and soil clay content. Our results revealed that climatic (air temperature and precipitation), abiotic (soil texture), plant (planting age and vegetation type), and nutrient‐related (SOC and TN) factors regulate SIN dynamics in artificial sand‐fixing vegetation systems. Climate was the predominant factor affecting soil ammonium N, and soil nutrients (SOC and TN) were the predominant factor affecting soil nitrate N. Therefore, these factors should be integrated into optimizing regional vegetation establishment and improving ecosystem management practices in sand‐fixing lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposal for a method of identifying the occurrence of desertification that has a strong association with in situ data leads to more assertive results when analysing the contribution of climate and social and economic factors to advancing the process. This study aimed to develop a methodology called the RisDes_Index to evaluate the evolution of the desertification process based on satellite data. The concept of the RisDes_Index method was based on the reflectance variables of the R, B and G bands, albedo and LAI of the Landsat 5/TM and Landsat 8/OLI satellites. Principal component analysis was used to assess the biophysical basis of the RisDes_Index by associating the results with micrometeorological data, physical and chemical properties, and vegetation cover data collected from five experimental sites in the semi-arid region of Brazil. These sites included one from a seasonally dry forest (i.e., the Caatinga), an agricultural cactus plantation, an area undergoing desertification, and two irrigated sugarcane crops (wetlands), one with and one without straw cover. The RisDes_Index was applied to all pixels of the images from 5 December 1991, 14 November 2001, 20 November 2009 and 6 October 2016 of an important desertification nucleus (DN) in the semi-arid region of Brazil, i.e., the DN of Cabrobó. The proposed RisDes_Index was able to identify areas with significant processes of desertification, which mainly occur in areas of sandy, acidic, bare soils with a high β value (Bowen ratio) and high soil temperature. The results of the RisDes_Index showed that in 5 December 1991, desertified areas comprised 38% of the total area of the DN of Cabrobó, expanding to 51% in 2016. Application of the RisDes_Index confirmed the advance of desertification in the DN of Cabrobó. This was due to a consequent increase in the water deficit and intensified deforestation to increase the areas of livestock farming. The RisDes_Index proved to be a robust method, as its estimation based on simple satellite products exhibited a strong association with biophysical variables of areas with different land uses and degradation levels. Thus, it is suggested that the RisDes_Index be applied in various regions of the world, with the idea of directing action to meet the advance of desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]