Global assessment of the non-equilibrium theory of rangelands: Revisited and refined

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We re-investigate evidence for the non-equilibrium concept for rangelands using a georeferenced data base of N = 83 studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Following up on a previous study by von Wehrden et al. (2012), we use their global map of rainfall variability and their method to distinguish between three different types of degradation depending on the presence or absence of water sources or key resources in the studied areas. Addressing recent discussions in the rangeland science community, we include the distinction between commercial or subsistence use as parameter in our data base. We find that zonal degradation, i.e. degradation with no presence of water or key resources, is predominantly reported for locations with a precipitation coefficient of variation below the threshold of 33%, as proposed by the non-equilibrium concept. We do not find any statistical evidence for a systematic difference between commercial and subsistence farming in terms of degradation incidence.

Original languageEnglish
JournalLand Use Policy
Volume70
Pages (from-to)479 - 484
Number of pages6
ISSN0264-8377
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2018

    Research areas

  • Climatic variability, Commercial farming, Degradation, Drylands, Grazing, Rainfall, Rangeland management, Subsistence farming
  • Sustainability Science

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