Land resource degradation in China: Analysis of status, trends and strategye

Land degradation threatens environmental well-being and is a growing global issue. China is among the most affected countries in the world in terms of the extent, intensity and economic impact of land degradation. Sustainable and successful intervention requires clear definition and quantification of land degradation. Based on land resource variation survey data from 1991 to 2002, this paper identified, defined and classified land resource degradation, and analyzed dynamic changes in the degradation and rehabilitation process. Through the establishment of a land resource degradation index, the status and trend of degradation in China was explored to enable the design and planning of interventions for mitigation and establishment of sustainable land use and management practices. Results showed that: (1) The total land degradation index (A) fluctuated upwards from 1991 to 2002, although some parts improved. (2) Sand and rock desertification, deforestation and wetland loss reduced slightly, whereas secondary salinification, non-agricultural land occupation and natural grassland further deteriorated. (3) 66.27% of degradation was in natural grassland and non-agricultural land; while 57.5% of rehabilitation focused on sandy desertification and forests. (4) Non-agricultural land occupation and wetland shrinkage are primary causes of land resource deterioration in China. (5) Grassland, cultivated land and forest land accounted for 83.9% of degradation. (6) All the degradation processes are interrelated. These results provide useful information to combat future land resource degradation in China.