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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management
Published on: September 12, 2017
Strategies reimagined: SDG-driven solutions for combating global desertification.
Xunming Wang1,2, Xin Geng1,2, Fubao Sun1,2
1Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
China's current desertification control methods risk significant agricultural losses. Shifting to pasture cultivation and crop switching offers a sustainable alternative, boosting incomes and contributing to global development goals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Agricultural economics
- Sustainable development
Background:
- Desertification impacts 24% of global land and 35% of the population, threatening Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Current anti-desertification efforts often overlook resource limitations and local livelihoods, creating hidden challenges for long-term sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the socioeconomic trade-offs of China's existing desertification reversal strategies.
- To explore the benefits of innovative agricultural practices for combating desertification and promoting sustainable development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution suitability models for crops and cultivated pasture.
- Analyzed socioeconomic impacts under projected 2023-2050 climate trends (warming and wetting).
- Compared outcomes of continuing current programs versus implementing innovative agricultural strategies.
Main Results:
- Continuing the Grain-for-Green Program and grazing exclusion may cause significant reductions (up to 54-81%) in agricultural output and income.
- Innovative strategies like pasture cultivation and crop switching show potential to lower costs, restore ecosystems, and increase productivity.
- These shifts could contribute to global progress on SDG 1 (poverty), SDG 2 (hunger), and SDG 6 (water).
Conclusions:
- Reimagining desertification control strategies is crucial for vulnerable arid regions.
- Integrating innovative agricultural practices can enhance sustainability, economic viability, and SDG attainment.
- A balanced approach is needed to address both ecological restoration and socioeconomic well-being.
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