| A Handbook for the Field Assessment of Land Degradation Contributor(s): Stocking, Michael A. (Author), Murnaghan, Niamh (Author) |
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ISBN: 1853838314 ISBN-13: 9781853838316 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $95.00 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: August 2001 Annotation: With an ever-demanding and increasing population, it is imperative that we slow down or stop land degradation and the consequential lowering of the productive capacity of the land. This book provides guidance on rapid and non-technical methods for measuring and assessing land degradation in the field. It is based on a farmer perspective so that the indicators selected will have meaning and applicability to real situations. The handbook also considers how measurements should be interpreted and shows how combinations of different indicators can give the best conclusions as to the severity of the degradation. The authors show how this information can be incorporated within the design of appropriate conservation technologies.This practical and straightforward handbook will be an invaluable tool for professionals in the area of land degradation and for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their field-workers. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Environmental Science (see Also Chemistry - Environmental) - Nature | Natural Resources - Social Science | Developing & Emerging Countries |
| Dewey: 333.731 |
| LCCN: 2001002891 |
| Physical Information: 0.5" H x 6.6" W x 9.3" (0.90 lbs) 184 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: With the increasing concern over rural livelihoods and the food security of poor communities in developing countries, it is vital that land quality is maintained. Yet, land degradation is widespread and is lowering the productive capacity of the land in these countries. This practical handbook presents simple, non-technical indicators for assessing land degradation in the field. Based on the perspective of the farmer, the methods selected lend meaning to real farming situations, helping the field professional to understand not only the impact of degradation but also the benefits to be gained from reversing it. The handbook shows how to calculate indicators such as those of soil loss, explains the interpretation of results and in particular how combinations of different indicators can give conclusive evidence of the severity of land degradation. The focus of the book is firmly on understanding the farmer's interaction with the land, and how environmental protection, food security and the well-being of rural land users may be assured. With detailed figures, photographs, worked examples and sample forms based on assessment techniques validated by field professionals in Africa, Asia and Latin America, this will be an essential training manual will be invaluable for field-workers in NGOs and in governmental and educational institutions. It will also be of interest to researchers and academics in development, environment and agriculture. |