Dryland Areas Research Articles

Drivers of Adoption of Sustainable Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Innovations and Conservation Agriculture by Smallholder Farmers in Morocco

Climate change poses significant challenges for countries in Northern Africa such as Morocco. Smallholder farmers are especially vulnerable to climate change because they experience several challenges in the adoption of climate-resilient practices. The sustainable and well-managed cultivation of the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) could contribute to conservation agriculture (CA) in dry climates threatened by climate change. Due to its high-water-use efficiency and ability to withstand extremely dry conditions, the cactus pear is increasingly being recognised as a more sustainable alternative to traditional livestock foraging in dryland areas. Compared to many other common crops and fodder, the cactus pear is easy to establish, maintain, and has a wealth of uses. Two innovative cultivation techniques are being developed: (1) the use of mixed inoculum formulations containing AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) and PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) in the soil; and (2) intercropping between perennial (cactus pear) and short-term species (field crops). We propose to identify factors that could facilitate farmers’ innovation adoption. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 24 smallholder cactus pear farmers in Morocco. We concluded that farmers do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the innovations. The main aim of farmers was to increase production and income. Farmers, in general, pay little attention to the environment. The recommendations that are given in relation to these issues are that training and social networks are essential in innovation transfer, adoption needs to be facilitated by providing resources, an innovation transfer needs to be adapted to the current and future needs of farmers, and we need patience so that farmers can slowly learn the innovations.

Study of Constraints in the Management of Dry and Hilly Lands in Flores Bajawa

Dry land is a landscape where water is stagnant for a long time or all the time. The use of dry land usually occurs on land, dry land, or uncultivated land. Dry land has the potential to become agricultural land, with 45% of Indonesia's territory consisting of hills and dry land, which are ideal areas for development. However, many obstacles arise in arid, dry regions. In addition to dry land, hills, or areas above ground, they have a positive impact on the agricultural system. Bajawa is a region in the Flores plateau that has a very extensive dryland area. The purpose of writing this article is to facilitate the resolution of problems or obstacles that occur in dryland and hilly areas (upland areas) with a dry climate. The method used in this research is a literature approach. (library research). Data collection in the research was conducted by reviewing and exploring several journals, books, and documents (both printed and electronic) as well as other data sources and information deemed relevant to the research or study. To support sustainable agriculture, dryland management must be sustainable. In land management, there are several issues that often arise. This includes soil fertility decline due to erosion and leaching, very steep topography, water availability, and production issues. Able to identify obstacles and determine solutions. As an alternative, one can use vegetative or mechanical soil management methods, enhance rainwater harvesting, manage water resources comprehensively, and plant drought-resistant crops.

Effect of Land Use Change on Soil Degradation and Improvement in a Dryland Area in Egypt

Effect of Land Use Change on Soil Degradation and Improvement in a Dryland Area in Egypt

Unlocking the ecohydrological dynamics of vegetation growth's impact on Terrestrial Water Storage trends across the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Studying the influence of vegetation dynamics on water storage is fundamental for efficiently managing ecosystems in dryland areas. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the ecohydrological dynamics of vegetation growth's impact on Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) trends across the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Exploring vegetation growth's effect on TWS utilizes remote sensing and statistical methods such as generalized additive model (GAM), random forest, Mann-Kendall test, Sen's slope, and Partial correlation coefficient. Our results revealed a consistent increase in vegetation cover in semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions, especially in croplands, from 1986 to 2020. However, a noticeable finding was that TWS has declined by approximately 39.65 % in the study area. On the other hand, forests have displayed resilience by mitigating the effects of climate change and human activities through hydraulic memory effects. Additionally, soil moisture has decreased in various land cover types, with croplands experiencing the most significant decrease. Similarly, increased vegetation growth in greening drylands significantly negatively impacts terrestrial water storage, with correlations of −0.31 for terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA), −0.26 for root zone soil moisture (RZSM), and −0.29 for surface soil moisture (SSM). Meanwhile, evapotranspiration (ET) also had negative correlations with TWSA, RZSM, and SSM, with standardized coefficients of −0.23, −0.16, and −0.11, respectively. These findings exposed the study area's vegetation interaction with land cover and hydrological dynamics. Addressing these hydrological imbalances will help ensure sustainable ecological management in the study area.

How melon farmers’ networks enable greenhouse technology adoption? A social network analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The study aims to investigate the connections and interactions of the melon farmers in the social network related with greenhouse adoption for the cultivation. Design/Methodology/Approach This research employed the Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach from the field survey data in the dry-land areas in Indonesia. Findings The study results indicate the presence of polarity within the social networks of farmers. The proliferation of innovations is motivated by individuals who actively develop their skills and knowledge, employing a combination of experimentation and online resources to enhance their capabilities. Dissemination is a result of the extensive collaboration among farmers who are located near each other. In addition, the trust and connection among farmers who have successfully experimented and achieved results fosters a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. Practical Implications The results of this study provide implications for appropriate rural extension and community development strategies. Theoretical Implications This research broadens the scope of innovation diffusion theory by examining social networks and their role in the proliferation of modern agricultural cultivation technology in marginalized areas. Originality/Value The study presents empirical evidence that highlights the successful adoption of modern agricultural cultivation technologies by fringe groups. It emphasizes the significance of locally established, self-sustaining social networks in facilitating this proliferation, marking the novelty of this study, especially in developing countries.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Sorghum Genotypes under Dry Low Land Areas of Ethiopia

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Sorghum Genotypes under Dry Low Land Areas of Ethiopia

Ecosystem service indicators on military-managed drylands in the Western United States.

Lands devoted to military use are globally important for the production of ecosystem services and for the conservation of biodiversity. The United States has one of the largest military land estates in the world, and most of these areas occur in water-limited landscapes. Despite many of these areas receiving intense or sustained disturbance from military training activities, the structure and function of ecosystems contained within their boundaries continue to provide critical benefits to people across spatial scales. The land owned and managed by the Department of Defense is subject to regulation across local, state, and federal governing bodies, constraining and shaping both how land management is conducted and how ecosystem services are prioritized. Here, we explored the supply of ecosystem services from military lands in dryland areas of the United States using key indicators of ecosystem services: biodiversity estimates derived from range maps, ecosystem productivity estimates from satellite observations, and spatially explicit, hierarchical ecosystem classifications. Additionally, we utilized content analysis of the environmental management plans of these areas to describe the unique set of demands and regulatory constraints on these areas. We found that the US military land estate in drylands contains many types of ecosystems and provides a large and diverse supply of ecosystem services, comparable to the sum of services from public lands in these areas. Additionally, the degree to which the ecosystem services concept is captured in environmental management plans is strongly shaped by the language of the governing legislation that mandated the use of environmental management plans in these areas, although these plans do not explicitly address land management using the concept of ecosystem services. Collectively, our findings suggest that military use and management of land represents an important source of ecosystem services, that military land use can be considered a cultural ecosystem service unto itself, and that top-down regulation can affect how these services are identified and valued. Our work highlights the need for the research and conservation communities to quantify ecosystem services from individual military installations so that both services and biodiversity can be safeguarded in an era of military conflict across the globe.

Threshold Changes in Winter Temperature and Precipitation Drive Threshold Responses Across Nine Global Climate Zones and Associated Biomes

Globally, winter temperatures are rising, and snowpack is shrinking or disappearing entirely. Despite previous research and published literature reviews, it remains unknown whether biomes across the globe will cross important thresholds in winter temperature and precipitation that will lead to significant ecological changes. Here, we combine the widely used Köppen–Geiger climate classification system with worst-case-scenario projected changes in global monthly temperature and precipitation to illustrate how multiple climatic zones across Earth may experience shifting winter conditions by the end of this century. We then examine how these shifts may affect ecosystems within corresponding biomes. Our analysis demonstrates potential widespread losses of extreme cold (<−20°C) in Arctic, boreal, and cool temperate regions. We also show the possible disappearance of freezing temperatures (<0°C) and large decreases in snowfall in warm temperate and dryland areas. We identify important and potentially irreversible ecological changes associated with crossing these winter climate thresholds.

Effect of different packaging methods and storage conditions on postharvest quality and shelf-life of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.) var. PKM2

Manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.), is a dry land fruit crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family commonly known Camacchile or Jungle jilebi. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) has the potential to become productive under harsh climatic and edaphic conditions of dry land areas but its pods have a shorter shelf life. The most important objective was to use proper packaging methods to reduce moisture loss, slow down physiological and biochemical changes and prevent spoilage. The study evaluated 8 packaging methods, including different combinations of CFB (Corrugated Fiberboard) lined with 100-gauge polythene film with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, CFB with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, vacuum packing and a control, under cold storage (13-15 °C) and ambient conditions (26 ± 2 °C). On the 15th day of cold storage conditions, vacuum packing showed minimum physiological loss of weight (19.82 %), titratable acidity (0.68 %), ascorbic acid (77.20) and total sugar (8.36 %). Maximum total soluble solids (15.32 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (22.72 mg 100 g-1 m), shelf life (15 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. On the 12th day of ambient storage condition, vacuum packing recorded minimum physiological loss of weight (16.42 %), titratable acidity (0.42 %), ascorbic acid (76.13) and total sugar (8.53 %). Maximum total soluble solids (14.93 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (21.83 mg 100 g-1 m) and shelf life (11.5 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. In this study, the overall results indicated that both vacuum packaging and CFB with 10 % vent at cold storage had synergistic effect in manila tamarind fruit pods, not only in extending the shelf life but also maintained the physiological and biochemical attributes of manila tamarind.

Evaluation of agricultural non-point source pollution infiltration on clogging and nitrogen leaching effects in BRCs with different plants in dryland areas

As high-standard farmland rapidly expands, agricultural non-point source pollution has emerged as a main environmental issue in China. To tackle nitrogen pollution, green infrastructure (GI), especially bioretention cells (BRCs), has been extensively adopted. However, the long-term effectiveness of these systems may be hindered by clogging and nitrogen leaching. In this study, we designed three BRCs simulation devices to investigate the effects of different plants on the removal of TSS TN and NO3–N from runoff through simulated pollutant infiltration experiments. To address this issue, laboratory research has explored the contributions of woody plants like Buxus and herbaceous plants such as Ophiopogon in BRCs, concentrating on their impact on system clogging and nitrogen leaching. The results indicated that, although the total suspended solids (TSS) removal rates in the Buxus and Ophiopogon treatment groups were slightly lower than in the control group, permeability experienced a notable enhancement, with the Buxus group showing a 24.47% increase in permeability. The removal rates of TN and NO3–N in the Buxus group were significantly reduced, decreasing by 31.82% and 41.25%, respectively, in comparison to the control group. After five months, Ophiopogon demonstrated considerably better root growth, with its root length, volume, and surface area all significantly exceeding those of the Buxus group. The choice of plants significantly influenced nitrogen cycling and system clogging, with the reduced removal rates in the Buxus group potentially linked to its weaker root system, lower abundance of actinomycetes, and reduced soil enzyme activity.

Analysis of Urban Groundwater Quality in Dryland Areas of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Analysis of Urban Groundwater Quality in Dryland Areas of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Detection of changes in local-scale statistical distribution of daily temperature and precipitation in dryland region: a case study of Ningxia, China

Identifying alterations in the local-scale statistical distributions of daily temperature indices and precipitation is crucial for adapting to climate change and combating desertification in arid regions. This study focuses on Ningxia, a representative dryland area in China, where we investigated changes in the statistical distributions of daily temperature and precipitation across ten weather stations over two 30-year periods: 1991–2020 compared to 1961–1990. From 1961 to 2020, annual air temperature indices (mean, maximum, and minimum) exhibited a significant upward trend at all ten weather stations (P < 0.05). Specifically, when comparing the decades of 1961–1970 with those of 2001–2020, annual air temperature indices increased by 1.2–2.2 °C for annual air temperatures, by 0.91–1.97 °C for maximum air temperature, and by 1.26–3.28 °C for minimum air temperature; these corresponded to rates of increase ranging from 0.20–0.40 °C per decade for mean air temperatures, from 0.15–0.33 °C per decade for maximum air temperatures, and from 0.21–0.55 °C per decade for minimum air temperatures, respectively during this period. The observed differences in the statistical distributions of daily temperature indices between the two periods were statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating an increase rate of approximately 1 °C during the period from 1991 to 2020 relative to that from 1961 to 1990 across various weather stations. In contrast, there were no significant increasing or decreasing trends in annual precipitation (P > 0.05). Similarly, the changes in statistical distributions of daily precipitation also did not reach a significance level (P > 0.05) when comparing data from both periods within these stations. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients between daily temperature indices and daily precipitation have decreased across these stations during the later period compared to earlier years. These findings suggest that while there has been a notable shift toward higher values in the statistical distribution of daily temperature indices—indicating rising temperatures—the corresponding distribution patterns for daily precipitation have remained relatively stable between these time frames. Consequently, this research confirmed an escalation in localized drought conditions within certain dryland areas despite broader regional trends toward humidification observed over recent decades; thus implying an increased risk of desertification as aridity intensifies.

Study on Optimal Nitrogen Application for Different Oat Varieties in Dryland Regions of the Loess Plateau.

The present study endeavored to tackle the challenges posed by limited diversity in oat varieties and suboptimal nitrogen fertilizer utilization in the arid landscapes of the Loess Plateau. We selected three oat varieties, including early-maturing oats (E), medium-maturing oats (M), and late-maturing oats (L). In 2022, four nitrogen applications were set up as CK (0 kg N ha-1), N1 (60 kg N ha-1), N2 (90 kg N ha-1), and N3 (120 kg N ha-1). We introduced two additional nitrogen applications, N4 (180 kg N ha-1) and N5 (240 kg N ha-1), in 2023. The two-year study results demonstrated a significant increase in oat yield due to nitrogen application (p < 0.05). The highest grain yield was observed for E oats at 2216.63 kg·ha-1 under the N3 treatment, while M and L oats had the highest grain yields at 2505.43 kg·ha-1 and 2946.30 kg·ha-1 under N4, respectively. The protein content of L oats reached a peak of 14.15% under N4, and the order of protein contents in oat protein components was globulin > gliadin> glutenin > albumin. The β-glucan content of L oats reached a peak of 4.92% under N3. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency (NFUE) of the three oats was highest under N2. L oats exhibited enhanced NFUE owing to an elevated pre-flowering nitrogen translocation amount (PrNTA), with a 42.94% and 29.51% increase relative to E and M oats, respectively. The pre-flowering nitrogen translocation contribution (PrNTC) in oats surpassed the post-flowering nitrogen accumulation contribution (PoNAC). Therefore, nitrogen application positively impacted oat growth, yet excessive application had an inhibitory effect. There is a significant positive correlation among oat yield, quality, nitrogen accumulation, and utilization efficiency. In summary, oat crops exhibited optimal performance in terms of yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency when nitrogen application rates ranged between 90 and 180 kg·ha-1. Late-maturing oats coincide with the rainy and hot season in the northern dryland regions, making them more suitable for planting in the dryland areas of the Loess Plateau.

Straw return can increase maize yield by regulating soil bacteria and improving soil properties in arid and semi-arid areas

Straw return has been found to benefit soil fertility and crop yield, however, by which it affects microbial communities to mediate soil factors driving crop yields under maize continuous cropping systems in dryland areas is still unclear. To fill this gap, a 6-year field experiment was established with five straw return amounts (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4, representing 0, 3000, 6000, 9000, and 12,000 kg ha−1 of straw, respectively), and investigated the effects of on soil properties, enzymes, bacterial community composition and diversity, and crop yields. Our analysis showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents significantly increased by 1–8 %, 5–25 %, and 2–9 % under straw return treatments, respectively, compared to the T0, and soil catalase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activities increased by at least 34.00 %. Additionally, crop yield significantly increased by 4.23–12.00 % under T1-T4 treatments, and showed highly significant relationships with SOC, TN, and TP. Importantly, we found straw return significantly altered the community of bacteria involved in the carbon and nitrogen cycle, and their abundance of strong responses depending on the amounts of straw return. For example, straw input increased the abundance of Proteobacteria (+2.64–5.57 %), Acidobacteria (+3.82–13.83 %), and Bacteroidetes (+15.37–30.49 %). Similarly, the amount of straw application increased the bacterial diversity indexes (Shannon, 2.65–10.93 %; Chao1, 13.47–18.50 %), and had significant positive correlations with SOC, TN, and TP contents. Structural equation models (SEM) revealed that straw return management practice had positive and indirect effects on crop yields by influencing soil properties or the bacteria community. In conclusion, our findings revealed common associations and variations of bacterial community diversity with soil factors and crop yields at different straw return rates, and these findings provide insights and options for the development of better straw return strategies and sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions.

Desertification of Bengal Dryland Areas Possible under Projected Climate Conditions

Drylands are some of the most sensitive areas to climate change and human activities around the globe. Assessment of future climate trend scenarios provides valuable practical information for dryland management decision-making. According to Huang et al. (2017), more than 50% of global drylands will expand by this century, with a maximum (78%) of newly expanded dryland occurring in developing countries. To understand the potential for expansion of drylands and desertification, we examine critical predictor variables (temperature and precipitation) of Bengal dryland expansion to guide early actions to mitigate and prevent desertification. Using trend analysis of bias-corrected CMIP6 projected climate change data for temperature and precipitation (2022-2041), results indicate future dryland expansion is possible from increases in temperature and declines in monsoonal precipitation. Over the next two decades (2022-2041), Bengal dryland areas will be 0.1-0.5°C warmer, and rainfall will decrease by 2.57-13.43cm total during the monsoon period. Given these variables are critical predictors of dryland expansion because of their role in driving evapotranspiration and soil moisture deficits; we anticipate an increase in the population affected by water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification. Our work provides information critical for effective dryland management, biodiversity conservation, and land-use planning under future climate conditions.

The Effect Addition of Soil Amandments and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) on the Growth and Yield of Cotton Plants Intercropped with Corn Plants in Dry Land of North Lombok Regency of Indonesia

This research investigates the effect of soil amendments in the form of cow, form goat manures and PGPR biofertilizer on cotton plants intercropped with corn in the dry lands of North Lombok Regency. The research aims is to determine the growth and yield response of cotton plants due to the application of soil amendments and PGPR in an intercropped system with corn in dryland areas. The research was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 in Andalan Village, Bayan District, North Lombok Regency. The method used is an experimental method with field trials. The design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD), incorporating two factors: soil amendment treatment (P) as the main plot and PGPR (K) concentration treatments as the subplot. Soil amendments consisted of three levels: P0 (no cow manure and no goat manure), P1 (20 tons/ha cow manure), P2 (20 tons/ha goat manure). PGPR concentration consisted of four levels: K0 (without PGPR), K1 (20 ml/liter PGPR application), K2 (30 ml/liter PGPR application), and K3 (40 ml/liter PGPR application). The research results indicated that the application of 20 tons/ha of goat manure (P2) produced the highest average across all observed parameters (plant height, number of leaves, branch number, stem diameter, and plant yield). Similarly, the application of 40 ml/liter PGPR produced the highest average for these observed parameters. Based on the results of the land equivalent ratio (LER) analysis, this integration system shows highly suitable and relevant to be applied in the dry lands of North Lombok.

Research Progress of Desertification Control in China

Desertification is a change in soil properties, vegetation, or climate that leads to the ongoing loss of ecosystem services essential for sustaining life. Desertification affects large areas of dry land around the world and is a major cause of stress in human societies. Desertification is a serious ecological problem in China. Desertification has seriously affected vegetation growth, food security, and human economy, and has caused certain adverse effects on the natural environment and social environment. Based on the causes of desertification and the present situation of desertification, this paper analyzes various measures to prevent and control desertification and puts forward some useful ideas on desertification in China, which will provide a reference for the research of desertification control in China.

Evaluating Effect of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Adoption on Productivity of Drought-Tolerant Pulses: Insights from Dryland Areas of Makueni County, Kenya

Increased productivity of drought-tolerant pulses could potentially reduce household food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic and institutional factors and the adoption of climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices on productivity of green gram, pigeon pea and cowpea in Makueni County, Kenya. We consider six common CSA practices namely: benches, soil conservation practices, minimum tillage, agroforestry, irrigation practices, and crop diversification. Using data from 384 randomly selected farmers, we use Sseemingly Unrelated Regression (SUREG) model to estimate factors influencing productivity of drought-tolerant pulses. The results showed that soil conservation practices were the most adopted (72%), while irrigation practices were the least adopted (9.6%). Among the CSA practices, crop diversification and benches were key to significantly affect the productivity of the three pulses, while agroforestry did not affect productivity of any of the selected pulses. Farming experience, number of extension contacts, and years of schooling were key socioeconomic and institutional factors that significantly affected the productivity of drought-tolerant pulses considered. Results showed that the impact of CSA practices on productivity differed among the pulses, since the soil conservation practices affected the productivity of both green gram and pigeon pea, while other practices including minimum tillage soil and irrigation practices affected the productivity of cowpea and green gram, respectively. Consequently, policies should consider promoting the adoption CSA practices among smallholder famers in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve farm level crop productivity and ensure household food security. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa governments and agricultural sector policy makers should promote sustainable financial incentives such as establishment of farmer-friendly credit financing schemes to enhance CSA adoption and in-turn boost smallholder farmers farm net returns.

Fossil spring records from central Sudan reveal paleoenvironmental and settlement dynamics in the Eastern Sahel during the last 30 ka

Knowledge of past environmental change and prehistoric settlement dynamics in the Sahel east of the Nile is limited due to the scarcity of suitable sedimentary archives and archaeological sites. Here we present tufa-based paleoenvironmental records from the area of NW Butana (central Sudan, ∼55 km southeast of the Nile River) which show that increased rainfall and spring activity occurred in several discrete intervals during the last ∼30,000 years. Lithostratigraphic data combined with phytolith, malacological, paleopedological, and stable carbon isotope records revealed humidity peaks during late MIS3 and the early and middle Holocene. Gaps in lithological records correlated with dry periods of the Last Glacial Maximum and Younger Dryas. Minor wet pulses coinciding with Late Glacial interstadials indicate an early intensification of the African monsoon, which implies that a sharp climatic boundary existed between the Sahel and the Sahara during this period.These new paleoenvironmental records, together with archaeological evidence from Butana, provide a unique opportunity for understanding human ecology in the eastern Sahel. The peoples who inhabited this dryland area 30+ km from the Nile Valley could not rely on its relatively predictable resources of riverine, floodplain and lake habitats. New models of subsistence and settlement, and strategies of adaptations to seasonal and interannual environmental variability are needed.

Upwind Moisture Controls on Interannual Variations of Precipitation and Vegetation in China's Drylands

AbstractDryland precipitation depends on upwind and local moisture sources via moisture recycling. How upwind moisture variations affect interannual variations of downwind precipitation and vegetation in China's drylands remains unclear. We used high‐resolution moisture tracking data sets and found terrestrial moisture (93%) was the dominant moisture source for China's drylands, especially from drylands themselves (46%). In most dryland grids, we observed strong correlations between precipitation and upwind moisture sources from 2003 to 2022 (median r = 0.55), with a more significant effect in drier areas. These demonstrated the upwind moisture control on interannual variations of dryland precipitation, in which internal moisture from drylands exceeds the influence of external terrestrial sources. The upwind moisture variations, especially the recycled moisture of drylands, propagate to influence downwind vegetation greenness in precipitation‐sensitive dryland areas. Our findings revealed that upwind moisture variations induced by climate or land‐cover changes have important implications for water and food security in China's drylands.