Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
Ecophysiology of Economic Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Author: Gerald E. Wickens

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 3662037009

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This book deals with arid and semi-arid environments and their classification, and the physiological restraints and adaptations of plants to the environment. Further, it discusses economic botany and the needs and methods of conserving economic plants. A broad view is taken regarding the definition of economic plants, taking into account their value to the environment as well as to man and to livestock. The individual deserts and associated semi-arid regions are described in separate chapters, providing background information on the regional environments in terms of climate and major plant formations. The economic plants within these formations, their usages, geographical distribution together with their morphological and physiological adaptations are treated in detail.

Arid and Semi-arid Environments
Arid and Semi-arid Environments

Author: Michael Hill

Publisher: Hodder Murray

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13: 9780340800324

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Arid and Semi-Arid Environments focuses upon major themes in the study of desert landscapes, processes and landforms. The book considers the physical causes of aridity, the desert hydrological cycle and the problems of water supply. Particular attention is paid to desert ecosystems and how they are related to aridity. A detailed study is made of the wide range of landforms which are unique to desert areas and how they were formed. Evidence in the landscape of past climates is examined in relation to the current debate on desertification.

Reclamation of Arid Lands
Reclamation of Arid Lands

Author: Mohammad Jafari

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-10-31

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 331954828X

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This book provides an overview of arid and semi-arid lands conditions, their general characteristics, methods of management, conservation, exploitation and reclamation. It also focuses on how to utilize the potential of arid lands with the minimum manipulation and alteration. Arid and semi-arid areas represent a major part of natural ecosystems not only in Iran, but around the world, and mismanagement and inappropriate exploitation of these areas may lead to further gradual degradation. As such, an understanding of the characteristics of these areas is vital if they are to be conserved and reclaimed.

Hydrology and Best Practices for Managing Water Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
Hydrology and Best Practices for Managing Water Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Author: Ondieki, Christopher Misati

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2017-07-12

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1522527206

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The management of water resources is extremely important for survival. Depending on the climate, certain regions require different strategies to maintain sustainable hydrological systems. Hydrology and Best Practices for Managing Water Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands is a crucial scholarly resource that outlines current trends in water management and offers solutions for the future of this growing field. Highlighting pertinent topics such as hydrological processes modelling, satellite hydrology, water pollution, and climate resources, this publication is ideal for environmental engineers, academicians, graduate students, and researchers that are eager to discover more about the issues and processes currently shaping water management technology.

Engineering Hydrology of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Engineering Hydrology of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Author: Mostafa M. Soliman

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2010-06-23

Total Pages: 514

ISBN-13: 143985839X

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The natural scarcity of water in arid and semiarid regions, aggravated by man-made factors, makes it difficult to achieve a reliable water resources supply. Communities in these areas pay the price for thousands of years of water manipulation. Presenting important insight into the complexities of arid region hydrology, Engineering Hydrology of Arid

Agriculture in Semi-Arid Environments
Agriculture in Semi-Arid Environments

Author: A.E. Hall

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 3642673287

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The semi-arid zones of the world are fragile ecosystems which are being sub stantially modified by the activities of mankind. Increasing human populations have resulted in greater demands on semi-arid zones for providing human susten ance and the possibility that this may enhance desertification is a grave concern. These zones are harsh habitats for humans. The famines that resulted from drought during the late 1960's and the 1970's in the African Sahel illustrated the unreliability of present agricultural systems in this zone. Large fluctuations in ag ricultural production have occurred in semi-arid zones of Australia, North Ameri ca, and the Soviet Union due to periodic droughts, even though considerable ag ricultural technology has been devoted to agricultural development in these zones. The challenge to mankind is to manage these different semi-arid zones so that pro ductivity is increased and stabilized, and environmental deterioration is decreased. Irrigation can be used to increase and stabilize agricultural production in semi-arid zones as discussed in Volume 5 of this series, Arid Zone Irrigation. The present volume, Agriculture in Semi-Arid Environments, focuses on dryland farming in semi-arid zones, and is relevant to the large areas of the world where rainfall is limiting and where water is not available for irrigation. This volume is designed to assist agricultural development in these areas and consists of reviews and analyses of available information by scientists working in Africa, Australia, and at the U ni versity of California.

Fragmentation in Semi-Arid and Arid Landscapes
Fragmentation in Semi-Arid and Arid Landscapes

Author: Kathleen A. Galvin

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-10-12

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 1402049064

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With detailed data from nine sites around the world, the authors examine how the so-called ‘fragmentation’ of these fragile landscapes occurs and the consequences of this break-up for ecosystems and the people who depend on them. ‘Rangelands’ make up a quarter of the world’s landscape, and here, the case is developed that while fragmentation arises from different natural, social and economic conditions worldwide, it creates similar outcomes for human and natural systems.

Rainwater-Smart Agriculture in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
Rainwater-Smart Agriculture in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas

Author: Walter Leal Filho

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-12-28

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 3319662392

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This book introduces state-of-the-art approaches, methods and research, focusing on smart management of rainwater. In addition, it provides an overview of projects from across the world, illustrating how rainwater-smart management has been implemented in drylands. Focusing on the scientific perspective it demonstrates how rural dryland agriculture can be improved. It also documents the wealth of rainwater-smart know-how available today, and replicates and transfers results to other countries and regions, to encourage cross-sector interactions among various stakeholders, such as practitioners from governmental and public organisations, policy- and decision-makers, and teaching staff from academic scientific institutions. The contributors showcase vital lessons learned from research, field projects and best-practice examples. They address the integrated use of rainwater harvesting management with landscape restoration practices and water-, and climate-smart agriculture for food security and poverty alleviation in arid and semi-arid areas. Original research, combined with the contributors’ synthetic approach, lays a foundation for new concepts and ideas. Through case studies and research reports, the book discusses all the relevant issues necessary for the comprehensive analysis and successful implementation of the technologies in rainwater management. Highlighting the working principles and technical recommendations with regard to cost-efficient rainwater-smart solutions, it is of interest to practitioners. It is also a valuable resource for academic specialists, professionals and students, since many development agencies are funding rainwater harvesting for irrigation purposes.