Desertification

What Causes Desertification? -Overgrazing Overgrazing was not as large of a business long ago because animals would plump in response to rainfall. People would cue with the animals so it prevented overgrazing in such argonas. Now, humans have a unshakable food supply so they do not have to move about. Therefore, people use fences to keep their animals in integrity place which causes overgrazing. (Desertification, 2001) -Farming of intermediate Land Farming of fairish land is causing desertification worldwide. Farmers are clearing average land, and using it which takes away the richness in the filth.People should let the average land replenish itself before farming. (Desertification, 2005) -Destruction of Plants in Dry Regions Destruction of plants in dry voices is causing desertification to occur. People are cutting down twist to use them as a source of fuel. Once all these trees are cut down there is nothing to protect the soil. Therefore, it turns to dust and is pursy away by the wind. (Desertification, 2005) -Incorrect Irrigation in Arid Regions Causes a Build Up of Salt in the Soil Incorrect irrigation is commonly used in sufferinger areas.Farmers are using washbasinal irrigation and other poor techniques because of the lack of water. This quality of irrigation causes a build up of salt in the soil. (Desertification, 2005)The Effects Of Desertification -Soil becomes less(prenominal) usable The soil mess be blown away by wind or washed away rain. Nutrients in the soil can be removed by wind or water. Salt can build up in the soil which makes it harder for plant drawth. -Vegetation is Lacked or damaged Loosened soil may bury plants or leave their stimulate exposed.Also, when overgrazing occurs, plant species may be lost. -Causes Famine Places that have war and destitution are most likely to have famine occur. Drought and poor land management contribute to famine. -Food Loss The soil is not accommodate for growing food therefore the amo unt of food being do will decline. If the population is growing, this will cause economic problems and starvation. -People near affect Areas Desertification can cause flooding, poor water quality, dust storms, and pollution. All of these do can hurt people living near an affected region. The Facts of Desertification and fall in Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 2000)Case Stude The Sahel Desert In the Sahel Desert, desertification is becoming a gigantic problem. Around the 1950s, people settled into the Sahel region, in areas where there was water. This resulted in overgrazing, which is one of the greatest causes of desertification. Eventually, the perennial shrubs were destroyed because of grazing, and they were replaced by annuals. Then, the annuals were grazed out which remaining bare soil. A lot of the topsoil was washed away, and all that was left(a) were rocks.Silt turned hard when it was hit by rain. Therefore, plants were not able to grow because there root s could not penetrate this hard layer. Now this region has turned to desert and it continues to expand. (Desertification, The Sahel, 2004) Records show that rainfall in Sahel has decreased and sand have shifted about sixty miles south into the area. Sahel is expanding due to lack of plant in the area. (Sahel, 2005) Another reason desertification is occurring in the Sahel region is because people are using the slashing and burning method to clear land.This degrades the quality of soil just like overgrazing. (Desertification-a Threat to the Sahel, 2000) Short Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel -Soil loses its nutrients which makes it not useful -Overgrazing destroys vegetation and without it erosion occurs -Land becomes salty which makes it difficult to grow crops Long Term Effects of Desertification in the Sahel -People perish of starvation -Cattle die of starvation -The soil becomes completely useless (Prospects and Problems, 2004)