Is the loss of the intrinsic physical, chemical, and biological qualities of soil either by natural or anthropic processes.
Published in Chapter:
Wind Erosion, Climate Change, and Shelterbelts
Aleksandar Baumgertel (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Serbia), Sara Lukić (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Serbia), Milica Caković (Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Serbia), Radovan Savić (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Serbia), Atila Bezdan (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Serbia), and Boško Blagojević (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Serbia)
Copyright: © 2022
|Pages: 22
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8459-0.ch008
Abstract
Wind erosion is a widespread phenomenon causing serious soil degradation. It is estimated that about 28% of the global land area suffers from this process. Global climate changes are expected to accelerate land degradation and significantly affect the intensity of wind erosion. Shelterbelts are linear multi-row planting strips of vegetation (trees or shrubs) established for numerous environmental purposes. Shelterbelts are a specific type of agroforestry system which could reduce soil degradation (soil erosion). Shelterbelts mitigate greenhouse gas through trees storing carbon (C) in their above- and below-ground biomass, wherefore they are highlighted as one of the potential ways to mitigate climate change. The purpose of this chapter is to present wind erosion as a land degradation problem, especially in line with climate changes and the present concept of vegetation establishment in the form of shelterbelts for long-term multi-functional provision of ecosystem services, in particular carbon sequestration.