Author : Brian Harrison Walker
Publisher : Elsevier Science & Technology
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 416 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)
Book Synopsis Management of Semi-arid Ecosystems by : Brian Harrison Walker
Download or read book Management of Semi-arid Ecosystems written by Brian Harrison Walker and published by Elsevier Science & Technology. This book was released on 1979 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extensive regions of the world have a climate which, whilst permitting development of a continuous vegetative cover, is too dry for successful annual cropping. These are the semi-arid areas where land use is based on the natural vegetation. Easily degraded and difficult to maintain, they are under increasing pressure as expanding human populations move in and endeavour to force a living from them. As a result they contain some of the worst examples of resource degradation. This book examines the problems and opportunities involved in man's use of semi-arid areas. The authors are all actively involved in research and land management in the areas discussed. Each chapter begins with a detailed, up-to-date account of the ecology of the region (its climate, soils, vegetation, fauna and main ecological characteristics). This is followed by a history of land use, problems involved in its management, a review of current research and recommended land use practices. The common features of semi-arid ecosystems are brought together in a final section.