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Desertification

Natural Background and Human Mismanagement

  • Book
  • © 1991

Overview

Authors:
  1. Monique Mainguet

    1. Laboratoire de Géographie Physique Zonale, Université de Reims, Reims, France

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Part of the book series: Springer Series in Physical Environment (SSPENV, volume 9)

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XVI
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  2. What is Desertification?: Definitions and Evolution of the Concept

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 1-16

  3. “Desertification” or Land Degradation: Location and Dimension in Time, Vulnerability of Soil and Plants in Drylands

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 17-41

  4. Dimensions in Space of “Desertification” or Land Degradation: Their Degree and Specificity in Each Continent

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 42-150

  5. Processes Leading to Soil Degradation and “Desertification”

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 151-198

  6. Prevention and Remedies

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 199-277

  7. General Conclusion: The Need for a New Realism

    • Monique Mainguet
    Pages 278-285

  8. Back Matter

    Pages 286-306
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Keywords

About this book

Controversial, and often discussed with passion and vehemence, desertification is a problem on whose solution the survival of millions of humans is dependent. This book aims at an understanding of what is commonly called "desertification" - a term which has a connotation of irreversibility, spreading and emergence of desert-like landscapes: "land degradation" is proposed to replace it. The purpose is to present what has happened in reality, and what might be done. Illustrative worldwide analyses allow a more realistic evaluation of global land degradation. Each level of technology, excessive or insufficient, creates its own mismanagement. This is reflected in a decrease in soil productivity and eventually land degradation. The benefit to the reader is an awareness of the ecozones which have undergone the most severe land degradation, and a global overview of the phenomena, mechanisms and existing solutions.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Laboratoire de Géographie Physique Zonale, Université de Reims, Reims, France

    Monique Mainguet

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