Land degradation vulnerability assessment based on land use changes and FAO suitability analysis in Jordan

Zeyad Mufadi Makhamreh

doi:10.3232/sjss.2019.v9.n2.05

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the pattern of land use change and its impact on land degradation in the Mediterranean regions of Jordan. Land use was interpreted using aerial photos and high-resolution satellite images and fieldwork carried out in 2018. Assessment of the degradation vulnerability degree was based on comparing the current land use with the potential suitability of the land by using FAO framework and spatial analysis techniques. The pattern of land use change from 1958 to 2018 showed that the area of rangeland and field crops declined by 16.1%, and 13.5% respectively; while the potential suitability for land utilization showed that 80% of the catchment is highly suitable for forest and rangeland in classes S1 and S2 respectively. The degree of vulnerability for land degradation under the current land use was assessed based on the erosion hazard, slope percent, and soil depth. The highest vulnerability class represents 10%, the medium vulnerability class covers 24%, the slightly moderate vulnerability class covers 31%, and the low vulnerability class consists of about 22% of the catchment area. In summary, the main constraints contributing to land degradation are improper land use by cultivation under high erosion hazard and slope degree followed by shallow soil depth.

Highlights

Land degradation is a worldwide issue that affects the planet and the fate of humankind (Choudhury et al 2016; Ferreira et al 2016; Sadeghi et al 2017)
Several processes affect the sustainability of the ecosystem, from soil erosion to soil compaction, deforestation, climate change, soil and water pollution (Mengistu et al 2016; Mukai 2016; Fava et al 2016)
Land degradation is a dynamic process that refers to the loss of the productive capacity of the land (IUCN 2015) and responds to changes in the land quality and soil productivity (Li et al 2015)

Summary

Introduction

Land degradation is a worldwide issue that affects the planet and the fate of humankind (Choudhury et al 2016; Ferreira et al 2016; Sadeghi et al 2017). One of the central elements of sustainability is the proper land use planning of environment resources (Turner et al 2003; Wang et al 2014; Abu Sirhan et al 2015), which lead to minimization of environmental deterioration by allocating the land into its optimal use (Li et al 2017). This should take into consideration the potential suitability of land resources (Ziadat and Al-Bakri 2006; Jin et al 2015). Land use planning touches different aspects of sustainability as it focuses on optimization of land use and minimization of land vulnerability

Objectives

Methods

Results