Research on land degradation in arid and semi-arid zone: a case of Hebei Province

Abstract

Land degradation is the most important environmental issue facing arid and semi-arid region, affecting regional land sustainable development. This article analyzed land degradation in Hebei province of China located in arid and semi-arid region with TM images of 1991 and 2000, and 1991 to 2000 land use change surveying data. Based on RS and GIS, comprised with statistic methods, land degradation index was used to study land degradation process in the study area. The results showed that land degradation was serious in the study area, especially land desertification, land salinity, pasture degradation, rocky desertification, deforestation and wetland shrink. On the other hand, the government strengthened reconstruction of degraded land. Some degraded land was restored, but land desertification and wet shrinking was still serious. At last, according to the land resources degradation process, natural resources and social economical condition in the region, some advices were given to construct eco-environment in Hebei province. Firstly, the population should be controlled strictly. Secondly, it is important to keep the total area of arable land, especially the area of main farm. Thirdly, land degradation process was different in the study area, and different measures would be taken according to local conditions to reconstruct degraded land. Fourthly, scientific decision depends on reliable information, so the dynamics of land degradation process should be monitored timely.