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Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse

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Une approche agropédologique de la désertification Volume 1, issue 2, Juin 1990

Author
Directeur de Recherches au Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique, université de Gand - Krijgslaan, 281 (Bloc S8) B-9000 GAND - BELGIQUE
  • Page(s) : 94-7
  • Published in: 1990

The desertification in the agropedological sense is a gradual process which leads to a complete loss of the plant growth potential. It results from a decreasing rainfall and a degradation of the soil properties that affect nutrient availability and soil moisture storage. Major factors which interfere hereby refer to the loss of soil structure, either by lack of organic matter or through alcalinisation, surface crust formation and aeolian desposition of inert sands with poor moisture holding capacities.