After UNCED (United Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, July 1992), a second edition of Desertification was necessary. About 150 corrections, amendments and additions take scientific progress into account. The author also presents an updated chapter in which the results of UNCED are analyzed.
This book aims at an understanding of what is commonly called "desertification" - a term which is proposed to be replaced by "land degradation". Each level of technology, excessive or insufficient, creates its own mismanagement. This is reflected in an increase in land degradation and eventually a decrease in soil productivity. The benefit to the reader is an awareness of the ecozones and a global overview of the phenomena, mechanisms and existing solutions.

Inhalt

1. What is Desertification?: Definitions and Evolution of the Concept.- 2. Desertification or Land Degradation: Location and Dimension in Time, Vulnerabilitiy of Soil and Plants in Drylands.- 3. Dimensions in Space of Desertification or Land Degradation: The Degree and Specificity in Each Continent.- 4. Processes Leading to Soil Degradation and Desertification.- 5. Prevention and Remendies.- 6. General Conclusion: The Need for a New Realism.- 7. New Developments in Desertification (September 1993).- References.- Author Index.- Subject hidex.