Abstract
Sustainable land management is critical for continued functioning of arid agricultural lands, to deliver important ecosystem services. Arid soils, especially in the southern USA, are characterized by very low organic matter contents and are easily subject to soil erosion by wind and water. Wind erosion in the region is more prominent, especially during the spring, with dust storms and suspended particles in air, leading to environmental and health hazards. Significant amounts of suspended particles during wind erosion come from agricultural lands. Unfortunately, the peak periods of high winds coincide with the time when farmers have intensively tilled their lands, leaving bare, soil surface exposed to easy detachment and transport of sediments. Recent research results have shown the need for changes in land management practices, in order to mitigate land degradation that is common in arid regions. Specific measures proposed to combat land degradation, soil erosion, and to improve soil health include reduced tillage practices, cover cropping, crop rotation, and the addition of soil organic amendments. While these measures have been demonstrated as advantageous to arid soils, adoption of these practices by farmers has been very slow, due to other challenges associated with successful implementation of these measures. For example, cover crops can offer significant soil protection from wind erosion, but with dwindling irrigation water resources, it is difficult for farmers to have sufficient water to raise a cover crop. This paper will highlight challenges faced by farmers and land users in arid agroecosystems and strategies for sustainable land management.
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