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Biological feedbacks in global desertification.

W H Schlesinger, J F Reynolds, G L Cunningham

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |March 2, 1990
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Long-term grazing in semiarid grasslands increases soil resource variability, promoting desert shrub invasion and land desertification. This process, worsened by climate change, impacts global ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles.

    Area of Science:

    • Ecology
    • Soil Science
    • Environmental Science

    Background:

    • Semiarid grasslands are vulnerable to land degradation.
    • Long-term grazing can alter ecosystem structure and function.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of long-term grazing on soil resource heterogeneity in semiarid grasslands.
    • To understand the feedback mechanisms leading to desertification.

    Main Methods:

    • Observational studies of ecosystem processes.
    • Analysis of soil resource distribution (water, nitrogen).
    • Monitoring of vegetation changes and land surface processes.

    Main Results:

    • Long-term grazing increases spatial and temporal heterogeneity of soil resources.

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  • Increased resource heterogeneity facilitates desert shrub invasion.
  • Soil resources become localized under shrubs, with depletion in inter-shrub areas due to erosion and emissions.
  • This creates a positive feedback loop driving desertification.

    • Conclusions:

    • Grazing-induced soil resource heterogeneity is a key driver of desertification in semiarid regions.
    • Desertification processes are likely to be intensified by global climate warming.
    • Significant alterations to global biogeochemical cycles are anticipated.