Desert greening
Desert greening is the process of
As some of the deserts expand[4] and global temperatures increase,[5] the different methods of desert greening may provide a possible response.[6] Planting suitable flora in deserts has a range of environmental benefits from carbon sequestration to providing habitat for native desert fauna to generating employment opportunities to creation of habitable areas for local communities.[7]
The prevention of land desertification is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.[8] Desert greening is a process that aims to not only combat desertification but to foster an environment where plants can create a sustainable environment for all forms of life while preserving its integrity.
Desert greening techniques
When establishing or re-establishing vegetation in desert ecosystems there are many factors to consider before implementing a specific strategy. It is important to account for factors such as the geographical location of the area, amount of annual precipitation, average temperature, soil quality, nutrient availability, native plant and animal life, along with the human impact when aiming to restore a degraded or disrupted desert biome.[9]
Planting
Planting strategies in the desert are different from conventional planting practices, especially in the initial stages. Deserts are regions in which annual precipitation is considerably less than the evaporation,[10] making it difficult for plants and animals that are not specialized to the biome to survive. One of the ways to ensure the success of the plant life is that prior to being planted in the desert, plants are often grown first in greenhouses, allowing for root systems to develop.[11] Often the plant species that are planted in desert regions are those that are capable of surviving on limited water and able to withstand the sun's direct rays. However, deserts also vary, with some being hot and dry and others being semiarid,[12] and plants that may survive in a coastal desert might not be able to endure the considerably higher temperatures of hot and dry deserts. Therefore, when planting in deserts as an effort to restore the ecosystem or to create a greener space it is important that the vegetation being planted is suitable to the desert in which it is being planted.
Utilizing pioneer desert species like the Acamptopappus shockleyi or Lepidium fremontii which are native to the Mojave Desert,[13] and halophytes such as Salicornia contribute positively to desert greening efforts. Planting of trees which store water, inhibit soil erosion through wind, raise water from underlying aquifers, reduce evaporation after a rain, attract animals (and thereby fertility through feces), and they can cause more rain to fall (by temperature reduction and other effects), if the planted area is large enough.[14] Another method of introducing or re-introducing vegetation to deserts is through seeding which involves the scattering of seeds either manually or aerially depending upon the size of the region undergoing vegetation efforts. Using seeding as a desert greening technique on a large scale requires a longer time for the ecosystem to recover and for the vegetation to establish itself as was seen in the Mu Us Desert.[15] Additionally, there are potential downsides due to the environmental vulnerability and predation by desert animals putting the success of this technique at risk.[16]
Landscaping and green infrastructure
With the growth of human population in urban areas that are located close to deserts,
Agriculture
Seawater greenhouses are innovative systems that use seawater to grow crops in arid and water-scarce regions. These greenhouses employ a combination of evaporative cooling, humidification, and desalination techniques to create a controlled environment for plant growth.[25] One prominent example of a seawater greenhouse is the Seawater Foundation. The Seawater Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to address global food and water scarcity by utilizing seawater greenhouses. Their greenhouse system uses evaporative cooling to create a humid atmosphere for crops while seawater is used for humidification and cooling purposes.[26] Another notable example is the IBTS (Integrated Biosphere Tectonics Systems) Greenhouse, developed by Seawater Greenhouse Ltd, the IBTS Greenhouse utilizes seawater to cool and humidify the air inside the greenhouse. It incorporates solar desalination systems to convert seawater into freshwater, which is then used to irrigate the plants.[27] The concept of seawater greenhouses offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows for the cultivation of crops in arid regions with limited freshwater availability, reducing the pressure on traditional freshwater sources. Secondly, the humid and cooler environment created within these greenhouses promotes efficient plant growth, even in hot climates. Lastly, the evaporative cooling process can potentially produce freshwater as a byproduct, contributing to water sustainability.[28] By harnessing the power of seawater and innovative greenhouse technologies, these initiatives are contributing to sustainable agriculture and addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and climate change.
Water resources management
Water availability
Desert greening is substantially a function of water availability. Water can be made available through saving, reusing, rainwater harvesting, desalination, or direct use of seawater for salt-loving plants. Reuse of treated water and the closing of cycles is the most efficient because closed cycles stand for unlimited and sustainable supply – rainwater management is a decentralized solution and applicable for inland areas[29] – desalination is very secure as long as the primary energy for the operation of the desalination plant is available. In the Sahara Forest Project desalination is carried out by solar stills for the generation of the freshwater. Another technique that is used is cloud seeding which helps in producing precipitation in areas with dryer climates.[30] With the new techniques and latest technology used to produce rainfall in areas that had dryer climates, there are often floods due to the urban infrastructure in those areas being insufficient for precipitation that exceeds conventional levels. Dehumidification is a technique that uses "atmospheric water generation" or air to water, used by the military for potable water generation. However, this technology uses 200 times more energy than desalination, making it unsuitable for large scale desert greening.[citation needed]
Collecting rainwater and storing it in ponds, reservoirs, or underground tanks is one of the simplest ways to improve soil moisture content, helping to increase green cover and crop production in arid areas.[31] It is an effective method for increasing water availability in arid regions and can contribute to desert greening in several ways, such as increasing soil moisture so that farmers have a reliable water source for their crops, even during periods of low rainfall.[32] Also, it plays an important role in recharging groundwater,[33] since in many arid areas the groundwater is easily depleted, which could further exacerbate the aridity. This can help to combat desertification, reduce soil erosion, and promote biodiversity.[34] Additionally, it helps alleviate water scarcity in areas with limited access to reliable water sources. Rainwater harvesting can serve as a practical and sustainable solution. It reduces the stress on scarce water resources, such as rivers or underground wells, and it provides a decentralized water supply system.[35] Overall, rainwater harvesting contributes to desert greening by increasing soil moisture, promoting vegetation growth, and conserving water resources. It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique that can be implemented at various scales, from individual households to large-scale agricultural systems to make desert areas more productive and sustainable.[citation needed]
Water distribution
The fresh water or seawater contained in centralized systems may be distributed by canals or in some instances aqueducts (both options cause water to evaporate due to environmental exposure), troughs (as used in the Keita Project[36]), earthenware piping (semi-open or closed) or even underground systems like qanāt. The mode of water distribution influences how its distribution to plants, which include drip irrigation (used only in pipes) a costly solution, wadis (V-shaped ponds dug in the earth) or by simply planting the trees in holes inside/over the water pipe itself allowing the roots access to the water straight from the pipe (used in qanāt, hydroponics etc.). Water can also be distributed through semi-open pipes as seen in the dug throughs in the Keita Project.[37]
Disadvantages
The use of water for desert greening in arid regions, however, is not without its disadvantages. Desert greening by the
History
The practice of recent desert greening can be traced back to a Japanese horticulture professor and agriculturist, Seiei Toyama, who spent 30 years of his life in efforts to green the Kubuqi Desert in China.[40] He authored the text Greening the Deserts: Techniques and Achievements of Two Japanese Agriculturists along with Masao Toyama which was published in 1995.[41] During his time as a professor at Tottori University, Toyama was able to revitalize the surrounding sandy dunes into revenue generating farms through his irrigation techniques and knowledge of plant species.[42] After his retirement in 1972, he pursued agricultural projects in China which included the conservation of eroding banks of Yellow River by planting Kudzu vines, introduction of grape growing techniques in Ningxia Huizu Autonomous Region, and his most well known project in the Engebei Desert Development, an oasis in the Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia.[42]
Examples
Asia
The history of modern desert greening in Asia focuses on initiatives that are aimed at reducing desertification and promoting sustainable land management practices. However, the challenges faced by nations in the Asian continent are varied, and the solutions have been tailored to meet specific needs.[43] One of the earliest and most notable examples of desert greening in Asia occurred in China in the 1970s, the "Green Great Wall" program, aimed at planting trees along the border of the Gobi Desert to halt its expansion. The program involved planting over 100 billion trees across a thousand miles of desert within a decade. The initiative was successful in reducing sandstorms and increasing rainfall in the region, and the program has since been expanded to other parts of China.[44] In the Middle East, Israel's desert greening initiatives have been aimed at the Negev Desert.[45] Initiatives include the establishment of research and development centers for desert agriculture, the introduction of drip irrigation techniques, and the use of treated wastewater for irrigation. In the Indian subcontinent, India and Pakistan's desert greening initiatives have focused on afforestation and soil conservation. These initiatives involve planting trees, shrubs, and grasses to hold the soil in place, prevent erosion, and improve water retention.[46] Overall, the history of modern desert greening in Asia reflects the need to address environmental challenges such as desertification and promote sustainable land management practices. These initiatives have often been successful in addressing these challenges and improving the livelihoods of people in arid regions.
China
The Three-North Shelter Forest Program, also nicknamed the "Great Green Wall", is a series of
As of 2009, China's planted forest covered more than 500,000 km2 (190,000 sq mi), increasing tree coverage from 12% to 18%. It is the largest artificial forest in the world.
According to
India
The soil of the
There are few local tree species suitable for planting in the desert region and they are slow growing. Introduction of exotic tree species in the desert has become a necessity, many species of Eucalyptus, Acacia, Cassia and other genera from Israel, Australia, US, Russia, Zimbabwe, Chile, Peru, and Sudan have been tried in the Thar Desert. Vachellia tortilis has proved to be the most promising species for desert greening in this region. Prevention of shifting sand dunes can be accomplished through planting trees like the Vachellia tortilis near Laxmangarh town. Another promising species is jojoba which is economically valuable as well.
Africa
Modern desert greening in Africa is a relatively recent phenomenon and was primarily initiated in the 1950s and 1960s. The initiative was largely driven by a desire to combat desertification, the process by which fertile land becomes barren and unsuitable for farming, across the continent. has made significant progress in reducing the impact of desertification and improving the sustainability of agriculture and natural resource management in arid areas. However, many challenges remain, such as lack of funding, political instability, and climate change. As such, ongoing research and development of innovative strategies, including the integration of new technologies, will be essential for continued success in this area.
The "Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel" is a project adopted by the
As of March 2019, 15 per cent of the wall was complete with significant gains made in Nigeria, Senegal and Ethiopia.[67] In Senegal, over 11 million trees had been planted. Nigeria has restored 4,900,000 ha (12,000,000 acres; 49,000 km2) of degraded land, and Ethiopia has reclaimed 15,000,000 ha (37,000,000 acres; 150,000 km2).[65] A report commissioned by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was published on September 7, 2020,[68] that the Great Green Wall had only covered 4% of the planned area, with only 4,000,000 ha (9,900,000 acres; 40,000 km2) planted. Ethiopia has had the most success with 5.5 billion seedlings planted, but Chad has only planted 1.1 million. Doubt was also raised over the survival rate of the 12 million trees planted in Senegal.[69]
In January 2021, the project received a boost at the One Planet Summit, where its partners pledged 14.3 billion
Australia
Australia is the world's driest inhabited continent, with a significant portion covered by arid or semi-arid deserts.[citation needed] In recent years, there have been various efforts and initiatives focused on desert greening in Australia. One notable example is the "Great Green Wall" project, inspired by similar initiatives in Africa, which aims to create a vegetation barrier of local native plants across Australia's east coast to prevent desertification and erosion. [Reference needed] Another approach to desert greening in Australia involves the use of regenerative farming and land management techniques. These techniques aim to restore degraded soils and improve water retention, which can support the growth of vegetation and increase biodiversity. [Reference needed] Additionally, there are ongoing research and development projects that explore innovative techniques to facilitate desert greening, such as solar-powered desalination plants, drought-resistant crop varieties, and the use of native plant species that can thrive in arid environments. [Reference needed] It's important to note that the success of desert greening initiatives depends on various factors, including local climate conditions, access to water resources, suitable plant species, and sustainable land management practices.
Sundrop Farms launched a greenhouse in 2016 to produce 15,000 tonnes of tomatoes using only desert soil and desalinated water piped from Spencer Gulf.[73]
See also
- Al Baydha Project
- Algerian Green Dam
- Arid Forest Research Institute
- Effects of climate change on the water cycle
- Fertilizer tree
- Oasification
- Restoration ecology
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
References
- ^ "Desert". National Geographic (grades 6–12). Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Deserts". NatureWorks. nhpbs.org. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- PMID 32139761.
- ^ "Is the Sahara Desert Growing?". Earth.Org. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "World of Change: Global Temperatures". NASA Earth Observatory. 29 January 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ PMID 34460859.
- PMID 33746692.
- ISBN 978-92-1-002491-4.[page needed]
- ISBN 978-1-315-68597-7.[page needed]
- ^ "Desert". education.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- S2CID 86184389.
- ^ "The desert biome". ucmp.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Wallace, A.; Romney, E. (1 October 1980). "The role of pioneer species in revegation of disturbed desert areas". Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs. 4 (1).
- ^ van Hooijdonk, Richard. "Turning desert sand into farmland: Chinese scientists propose a revolutionary solution to desertification". Richard van Hooijdonk. Archived from the original on 31 December 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- S2CID 244216972.
- .
- PMID 33746692.
- PMID 32737311.
- ^ Shahda, Merhan M. (2020). "Self-Shading Walls to Improve Environmental Performance in Desert Buildings". Architecture Research. 10 (1): 1–14.
- ^ Person, Janice (21 June 2023). "Digging Up Ancient Desert Farming Practices". Grounded by the Farm. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- S2CID 127107750.[page needed]
- ISBN 978-0-12-813064-3.
- S2CID 51736132.
- ^ "What Is the Greenhouse Effect?". NASA Climate Kids. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Seawater Greenhouse: A new approach to restorative agriculture". Global Water Forum. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Seawaterfoundation.org". seawaterfoundation.org. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Jha, Alok (2 September 2008). "Environment: Solar plant yields water and crops from the desert". The Guardian.
- ^ "Seawater Greenhouses Produce Tomatoes in the Desert". State of the Planet. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Berdellé, Nicol-André (May 2011). "Recharging dry wells" (PDF).
- .
- S2CID 262221953.
- ^ "An Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting". www.gdrc.org. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Methods of Rainwater Harvesting -Components, Transport and Storage". The Constructor. 14 September 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ISBN 978-3-030-68123-4.
- .
- ^ Keita Project Archived 11 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120311112921/http://www.case.ibimet.cnr.it/keita/data/docs/Viterbo_06.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ Weier, John (3 December 2002), From Wetland to Wasteland; Destruction of the Hamoun Oasis, NASA Earth Observatory, retrieved 11 May 2012
- PMID 31749101.
- ^ Kaneko, Maya (27 July 2023). "Former teacher tackles desertification in China's Inner Mongolia". The Japan Times. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
- ^ Tōyama, Seiei; Tōyama, Masao (1995). Greening the Deserts: Techniques and Achievements of Two Japanese Agriculturists (1st ed.). Kosei Publishing Company.[page needed]
- ^ a b "Toyama, Seiei". www.rmaward.asia. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
- ^ "The Ninth Kubuqi International Desert Forum | United Nations in China". china.un.org. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Shin, Judy (23 August 2021). "Explainer: What Is the 'Great Green Wall' of China?". Earth.Org. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Jensen, Dierk. "AGRICULTURE IN THE DESERT". The Furrow | The John Deere Magazine. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ISBN 978-92-5-132405-9.[page needed]
- ^ "Media Reports: China's Great Green Wall". BBC News. 3 March 2001. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ^ "The Fall of the Green Wall of China". WorldChanging. 29 December 2003. Archived from the original on 19 July 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2007.
- ^ "China's Dust Storms Raise Fears of Impending Catastrophe". National Geographic. 1 June 2001. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
- Phoenix TV. Archivedfrom the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
- ^ How China Turned the Desert into Green Forests
- ^ "State Forestry Administration" (in Chinese). English.forestry.gov.cn. Archived from the original on 15 March 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ^ a b Watts, Jonathan (11 March 2009). "China's loggers down chainsaws in attempt to regrow forests". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
- ^ Chen, Yimeng (9 July 2022). "It Is Urgent to Protect Global Biodiversity". The Diplomatic Affairs.
- ^ S2CID 202749205.
- ^ Amos, Jonathan (28 October 2020). "Climate change: China's forest carbon uptake 'underestimated'". BBC News.
- ^ Schauenberg, Tim (16 February 2022). "How to stop deserts swallowing up life on Earth". DW News.
- ^ "Tafilalt: Algeria's first eco-friendly desert city". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- .
- hdl:2437/325701.
- .
- .
- ^ "A line in the sand: Great Green Wall Initiative". One Earth. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "Large-scale wind and solar power 'could green the Sahara'". BBC News. 6 September 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ a b Puiu, Tibi (3 April 2019). "More than 20 African countries are planting a 8,027-km-long 'Great Green Wall'". ZME Science. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- ^ Morrison, Jim. "The "Great Green Wall" Didn't Stop Desertification, but it Evolved Into Something That Might". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
- ^ Corbley, McKinley (31 March 2019). "Dozens of Countries Have Been Working to Plant 'Great Green Wall' – and It's Holding Back Poverty". Good News Network.
- ^ "The Great Green Wall: Implementation status & way ahead to 2030". UNCCD. 7 September 2020.
- ^ Watts, Jonathan (7 September 2020). "Africa's Great Green Wall just 4% complete halfway through schedule". The Guardian.
- ^ "Green Wall Accelerator". UNCCD. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
- ^ Lamoureux, Marine (4 September 2021). "La « Grande muraille verte », une utopie qui commence à sortir de terre" [The 'Great Green Wall', a utopia that is starting to emerge from the ground]. La Croix (in French).
- ^ Global Land Outlook 2nd edition (Report). UNCCD. 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
- ^ Klein, Alice (6 October 2016). "First farm to grow veg in a desert using only sun and seawater". New Scientist.