This book summarizes contemporary research on land degradation, desertification, and how such issues relate to socioeconomic growth in developing countries. With a focus on local and regional levels, the book offers an in-depth analysis of aeolian action as a physical process, causes of land degradation, and desertification. The causes and effects of land degradation were investigated by utilizing multiscale and multidisciplinary methodologies, merging spatial socioeconomic data with remote sensing data, and using multiple levels and disciplinary approaches. The book also describes how to combine GIS with cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, geostatistics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis, and analytical hierarchy approaches, among others. Included is a thorough case study of the unusual but understudied semi-arid Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, South India. This book encourages the participation of all socioeconomic groups in decision-making and assists authorities and planners in developing suitable plans for the sustainable agricultural growth of an area. The book is an invaluable resource to comprehend and resolve issues about sustainable environmental planning and management.

Autorentext

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Badapalli is a Department of Science & Technology (DST) INSPIRE fellow in the Department of Geology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India. He obtained his master's degree in geology from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India, and he received a gold medal and APJ Abdul Kalam Pratibha Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his excellence. Later, he obtained his Ph.D. in geology from Yogi Vemana University. He has published more than 50 research papers and 10 chapters. He specializes in geomorphology, hydrogeology, mineral exploration, remote sensing, geographical information systems, land degradation, desertification, and environmental studies. He also offers consultancy services in mining and groundwater studies.

Prof. Raghu Babu Kottala has devoted his work to applications of advanced technology. He received his M.Sc. in geology in 1996 and his Ph.D. in geology in 2006 from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India. During his Ph.D. course, he worked in a DST project on paleomagnetism. Later, in 2007, he joined Yogi Vemana University as an assistant professor and was promoted to an associate professor in 2019 and to a professor in 2022. He has published 75 research articles in multiple fields of geology, including application of remote sensing and GIS in groundwater and mineral exploration; ore beneficiation techniques; energy production by waste treatment; and management and assessment of desertification. He has also published 9 chapters on multidisciplinary issues such as history, archeology (rock art, megalithic culture), heritage and culture, and temple architecture, among others. He specializes in petrology, mineral exploration, remote sensing and GIS applications, and environmental geology.

Dr. Padma Sree Pujari is a lecturer in geology at Government College (Autonomous), Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India. She obtained her doctoral degree in geology and has been in the teaching and research fields for the past 27 years. She specializes in geochemistry, petrology, mineral exploration, and environmental management. She has published research papers and chapters in reputed journals and has completed research projects of the University Grants Commission (UGC), India. She also offers consultancy services in land suitability analysis and groundwater studies for local farmers.