Land degradation in north-western Jordan: causes and processes

Improper farming practices, overgrazing, the conversion of rangelands to croplands in marginal areas and uncontrolled expansion of urban and rural settlement at the cost of cultivable land are among the major causes of land degradation in north-western Jordan. The purpose of this study was to discuss the major causes of land degradation in the area. Six sites receiving different amounts of annual precipitation and with different vegetation types were selected to represent the major agricultural areas in north-western Jordan. The major soil properties that can be linked to land degradation were studied. Desertification in north-western Jordan is taking place through loss of soil fertility and productivity, overgrazing and water and wind erosion. Erosion by wind and water is considered the major cause of land degradation in the area. The soils contain little organic matter and their alkaline reactions reduce the availability of phosphorous and macronutrients and consequently lead to very low crop yields.