|
|
 |
 |
| |
 Printable version |
Six rules for the rapid restoration of degraded lands: Synthesis of 17 case studies in tropical and Mediterranean climates |
Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse. Volume 22, Number 2, 86-96, Avril-Juin 2011, Dynamique paysagère des terres arides et expériences réussies de restauration écologique., Articles de recherche
|
 Résumé
 Free Article
|
Author(s) : Eric Roose, Ronald Bellefontaine, Marjolein Visser |
Summary : Many scientists claim
“soil is a non-renewable natural resource”. Nevertheless, many traditional or scientific experiments have shown it is possible in hot and semi-humid areas to accelerate the weathering of some rocks and, in some conditions, to restore the productivity of degraded and eroded soils while increasing biodiversity. The analysis of 17 semiarid tropical and Mediterranean case studies demonstrates that six rules must be respected to restore the productivity of degraded and eroded soils in a short time span: i) manage surface run-off efficiently (stone bunds, living hedges, basins, tied ridging, etc)\; ii) combine tillage with the addition of organic matter with high C:N to restore macroporosity and stabilise the soil structure\; iii) revitalise the topsoil with low C:N manure or compost\; iv) correct the soil pH\; v) pay due attention to plant nutrition\; and vi) select locally adapted but non-invasive plants. The respect of these rules represents an important investment (labour + production, transport and spread of organic matter and fertiliser) and peasants will only accept this effort if socio-economic pressure is high and sustained and if the returns on this investment are important, safe and rapid. |
Keywords : biodiversity, ecosystem, erosion control, soil degradation, the Mediterranean, soil restoration, tropical zone |
|
