Dryland agriculture in China

Author: Li Shengxiu et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This book is divided into 25 chapters, providing a detailed discussion on the role of dryland agriculture in global agriculture, the distribution, types, and development of dryland agricultural regions in China, dryland soils, saline-alkali soils in the arid regions of Northwest China, dryland topography, water resources in drylands, natural disasters in dry regions, wind erosion, desertification, and their prevention in drylands, soil erosion and its control in drylands, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients in Chinese dryland soils, formula fertilization techniques in Chinese dryland agricultural areas, dryland cropping systems, production potential of dryland crops, germplasm resources of major dryland crops, and the distribution and ecological adaptability of dryland crops.
A nation is built on its people, and its people depend on food for survival. Food and fiber are the material foundation for human existence, while beverages and forage are the basic conditions for raising animals and developing animal husbandry, and these products primarily come from agriculture. The importance of agriculture lies in its provision of essential living materials and survival resources for humans, laying the foundation for human life, survival, and development. Population growth and improved living standards have increased the demand for food and fiber, yet this strong demand faces dwindling land and freshwater resources. The scarcity of freshwater, coupled with excessive consumption of groundwater and surface water resources and the difficulty of replenishment, makes the development of irrigation agriculture unrealistic. This forces attention to dryland agriculture.
Drylands cover vast areas, possess relatively abundant resources, and have low population density, offering significant potential for agricultural development. Developing dryland agriculture is of great significance for increasing grain and oil production, improving people's living standards; promoting economic prosperity in underdeveloped regions, poverty alleviation and wealth creation in impoverished areas, and the vitality of ethnic regions; expanding domestic demand and reducing population pressure in densely populated eastern regions; and driving the comprehensive and sustainable growth of the national economy. This is the purpose behind the compilation and publication of the book Dryland Agriculture in China.
This book is compiled by experts with extensive experience in agriculture, systematically discussing the natural and production characteristics of drylands, summarizing successful management experiences and techniques in dryland agriculture, and highlighting the existing problems and development prospects of dryland resources. It is a comprehensive work that integrates scientific rigor, fundamental knowledge, and practicality, covering all aspects of dryland agriculture. In addition to the chapter on dryland agriculture worldwide, it is divided into five major parts: the natural characteristics of drylands, water management and erosion control in drylands, nutrient management in drylands, tillage and cultivation systems in drylands, and finally, approaches and strategies for developing dryland agriculture.
Based on extensive experimental data and supported by a wealth of literature, the book presents well-substantiated arguments with no unfounded speculation. It is suitable for students and postgraduate researchers in higher agricultural and forestry institutions across the country, as well as professionals engaged in teaching, research, and extension work in this field.