Management of Problem Soils in Arid Ecosystems

Description

Examines the challenges of managing soils in arid and semi-arid regions. These soils contain low organic matter, are not leached and accumulate lime, gypsum and soluble salts, requiring special management techniques. This book identifies these and other problems. Content: Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Preface About the Author Chapter 1: The Arid Ecosystem Elements of the Climate Classification of the Earth to Climatic Natural Vegetative Cover in Arid Ecosystems Soils of the Arid Ecosystems References Chapter 2: 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 Effect of Salinity on Plant Growth and References Chapter 3: Calcareous Soils Introduction Morphology Physical PropertiesChemical and Fertility Properties Gypsic Soils Management of Calcareous Soils References Chapter 4: Sandy Soils Introduction Formation of Sandy Soils The Sandy Soils in Soil Classification Systems Physical Characteristics Management of the Sandy Soils References Chapter 5: 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 Chapter 6: Desertification Introduction Soil Degradation Degradation Versus DesertificationDesertification Due to Sand Movement Desertification of Rangeland Desertification Due to Irrigation and Waterlogging Combating Desertification in Rain-Fed Cropland Complementary Measures for Combating Desertification Soil Erosion Water Erosion Wind Erosion Desertification, a Global Challenge References Index