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Abstract
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Article Information:
Semi-arid Vegetation Pattern, Stability and Suitability to Suppress Sand Movement in Central Sudan
N.K.N. Al-Amin
Corresponding Author: N.K.N. Al-Amin
Submitted: 2010 November, 11
Accepted: 2010 December, 02
Published: 2011 January, 10 |
Abstract:
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Moving sand that threatens Gezira scheme is the dominant land degradation feature in central Sudan
and the front line defence is the sparse scattered natural vegetation of the area. The study aimed to assess the
role of this vegetation to suppress drifting sand and to monitor their ability to face the impact of climate change
and human activity (deforestation). The dimensions of the sand captured by single tree of dominant species,
Acacia tortilis, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Prosopis juliflora and Panicum turgidum were measured and the
volumes were calculated. To picture the drought pattern 5-year running means of annual rainfalls (1941-2007)
of the study area were calculated and compared with long-term mean. Deforestation was indicated by local
community wood consumption in relation to the average woody biomass (in good condition). The results show
that scattered trees of the right densities had potentiality to settle drifting sand, but they were subjected to 20
years dry seasons followed by only 4 wet years and now are subjected to a new era of dry spell. This condition
is not in favour of the semi-arid vegetation pattern sustainability and a suitable measure to enhance natural
regeneration is needed. In addition, the community's wood demand was higher than the resource, where a
person would destroy 0.5 ha/year compared to 0.9 ha/year per person available reveals the magnitude of
deforestation. Encouragement of farmers to use alternative energy sources and functional application of laws
and regulations to protect the existing vegetation rem ain crucial.
Key words: Combat, deforestation, desertification, drought, Gezira scheme, ,
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Cite this Reference:
N.K.N. Al-Amin, . Semi-arid Vegetation Pattern, Stability and Suitability to Suppress Sand Movement in Central Sudan. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, (1): 44-50.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3890
ISSN (Print): 2041-3882 |
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