A case study on combating desertification at a small watershed in the hills-gully area of loess plateau, China

Abstract

Soil erosion and drought are twin problems in hills-gully area of the Loess Plateau, China, and they are main causes of desertification and poverty in the area. To combat desertification and improve rural economy in the area, a case study for reconstruction of the degenerated eco-environment in a small watershed has been conducted since 1997. The agriculture structure was changed by construction of terraces and conversion of cropping land to forest/grass land. The reconstruction results show that decreasing cropping land and rationally rearrangement of land use are key points to reduce soil and water loss in a watershed scale. The primary experiment results have shown that the reconstruction models based on the eco-environment condition are successful not only in restoration of vegetation but also in increasing farmer income. As a result, the severe soil erosion and the degradation of vegetation began to be controlled.