Irrigation and Desertification: Ecological Consequences of Arid Land Reclamation in the Aral Sea Basin and Land Degradation Control

摘要

Large-scale irrigation in the Aral Sea Basin resulted in the deterioration of ecological situation not only in the irrigated lands, but also in the whole Basin. The secondary salinization has been developed on once-fertile soils; the growing volume of drainage water - a direct consequence of extensive irrigation - has lead to a decline in the quality of drinking, ground, and river water, which, in turn, are exacting tolls on human health, agricultural production, and natural ecosystems. Comparison of irrigation practices in Israel and Turkmenistan demonstrates that the main reason of the desertification development in the Aral Sea Basin is irrational utilization of water resources, and not the water deficit. The possible measures on rehabilitation of ecological situation in the region are reviewed.