The table below shows annual measurements from a restoration project on a former irrigated farm in the hot desert of north-west India. Fig. 1 shows the site...
Question 1 Report
The table below shows annual measurements from a restoration project on a former irrigated farm in the hot desert of north-west India. Fig. 1 shows the site before planting, including a canal, salt-affected fields and a shelterbelt location. The project planted native shrubs, reduced irrigation and installed drainage. The aim was to reduce desertification while allowing some food production.
| Year | Vegetation cover (%) | Soil salt content (%) | Crop yield (t/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before project | 8 | 10.2 | 1.1 |
| Year 2 | 21 | 7.4 | 1.6 |
| Year 5 | 38 | 3.9 | 2.3 |
(a) Which variable in Table 1 shows a decrease between every measurement? [1]
(b) Outline how the data suggest that the restoration project has improved the landscape. [3]
(c) Draw a shelterbelt of trees or shrubs in Fig. 1 to reduce wind erosion from the fields. [2]
(d) Outline two possible conflicts that may arise when farmers are asked to reduce irrigation in a hot desert. [2]
(e) Outline two further pieces of evidence the project team should collect before claiming that the scheme will succeed in the long term. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Soil salt content [1] (b) Any three: vegetation cover rises from 8% to 38% [1]; soil salt content falls from 10.2% to 3.9% [1]; crop yield rises from 1.1 to 2.3 t/ha [1]; trends suggest soil conditions/productivity are improving [1]. Maximum [3] (c) Belt of trees/shrubs drawn along the windward edge of fields, across the path of moving sand [2] (d) Any two: less water may reduce crop production/income at first [1]; farmers may have costs of changing crops/irrigation systems [1]; competition between household, farming and environmental water needs [1]; employment/food-security concerns [1]. Maximum [2] (e) Any two: monitor groundwater level [1]; monitor long-term rainfall [1]; measure wind erosion/sediment loss [1]; record biodiversity [1]; compare with an untreated control site [1]; collect farmer income/yield data over more years [1]. Maximum [2]
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