Management of rainwater resources for rehabilitation of degraded lands in arid and semi-arid region of Southern Pakistan

Abstract

In face of changing climate patterns and increasing livestock population, the pressure on silvopastures in dry lands of Pakistan is increasing, resulting in degradation of natural resources and loss of soil fertility. The Farm Forestry Support Project of the SDC-IC initiated rehabilitation work in 2010 in dry region of Karak using rainwater harvesting and sand dune stabilization techniques. The objective was to recover vegetation and increase land productivity. The activity was carried out jointly with farmers. Results recorded in 2015 showed a profuse plant growth in terms of trees, shrubs and grasses with a potential to provide timber, fuel wood and fodder for livestock. Conservation of moisture also resulted in growth of natural grasses and shrubs. After 5 years, plant growth in height and diameter of 6 m and 20 cm, respectively, was recorded. The vegetation cover of 45% and increase in content of soil organic matter and nitrogen were recorded. All this happened with a cost of US$82 per hectare. Rejuvenation of wells in few cases was an additional positive effect. On the other hand, annual income of US$735 per hectare from Saccharum spontaneum planted in sand dunes was a benefit to farmers against the other land uses in sand dunes.