Sustainable Land Management (SLM) is something that everyone can do. Whether you own a small piece of land or you are in any way involved in the consumption of natural resources. Everyone has a part to play in SLM not only in ensuring that your needs are met, but you make considerations for others. In this way, you can have improved systems; enhance production without depleting the resources. So if you are a landowner, there is a lot that you can do to contribute to SLM practices which this article will highlight.
Using organic fertilizers
Not only are organic fertilisers generally safer for use, but they also increase production by introducing humus and other organisms into the soil. The humus helps in stimulating biological activities in the ground, which improves fertility, structure, and storage of water and nutrients. Therefore, the earth will not only support more plants, but it will still have adequate nutrients for the next season.
Forest preservation
The world only has about 31% of forest cover left, which is set on no more than four billion hectares and 93% of these lands are in only 24 countries. This is why climate change is such a huge issue and why a majority of states are unable to sustain their people. To combat this, people need to avoid cutting down trees and setting aside land solely for increasing the forest cover. It is great for holding up the soil, increasing rainfall, and improving the quality of air.
Embracing technology
Sustainable land management requires that there is a maximum productivity of land without depleting it. That is why technology is essential in this to provide more accessible ways of farming, crop rotation, and pest control. Ecological engineering is one way that is used in giving biodiversity, which allows you to get the most out of your land without worrying about pests.
Rehabilitating arid areas
Water is at the centre of all life, so it has to exist in plenty to improve productivity. This is why it is crucial to start your water harvesting systems right from home. It can be done by collecting rainwater from the roofs of houses and reusing water. Other more large-scale methods include having proper drainage systems in areas where there are flash floods such that the water is collected. It is possible by constructing small dams and wells in arid regions. The water can then be used in irrigating dry land hence allowing it to produce.
It is easy to manage land sustainably if people can pull their efforts. The idea is to make an effort toward making the environment a better place to live now and in the future. So any efforts towards environmental conservation can also be counted in helping to achieve sustainability.