Review to Reasons and Desertification Control in Iraq

Abstract

Desertification is the loss of land for its green cover and the inability of the soil to produce agricultural crops. The causes of desertification are either erosion of the soil surface by water and winds, or the high concentration of salts, as well as the high level of ground water or the lack of sufficient water for agriculture. In addition to human activities, and for these reasons, we often talk about failed agricultural management or inappropriate environmental conditions. Desertification control lies by using modern irrigation methods such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, and that using these methods can provide water for cultivating of new lands and reclaiming desertified lands. Experience shows that modern irrigation methods can save about 50% of water and increase agricultural production by about 60% compared to convention irrigation methods. The study recommends training farmers and encouraging them to follow modern irrigation methods and introducing them to the danger of desertification and its economic, environmental and social impacts. The study also proposes the establishment of two rivers parallel to the Tigris and the Euphrates, one of which stems from Samarra and ends in the south of Kut, and the second stems from the Anbar Governorate and ends in the south of Najaf Governorate. This project will increase the efficiency of irrigation. Finally, controlling desertification leads to preventing environmental pollution, creating too many job opportunities, achieving food security and raising the standard of living for people.