Degradation of sandy arid shrubland environments: observations, process modelling, and management implications

Field remote sensing, and modelling observations from a degraded Mojave Des ert shrubland were used to develop a model of the progressive degradation o f areas adjacent to sites of direct anthropogenic disturbance. Aeolian remo val and transport and dust, sand, and litter are the primary mechanisms of degradation, killing plants by burial and abrasion, interrupting natural pr ocesses of nutrient accumulation, and allowing the loss of soil resources b y abiotic transport. It is concluded that any arid shrubland with wind-erod ible soils is susceptible to degradation, and where possible development of these lands should be avoided. (C) 2001 Academic Press.