Land degradation is occurring wherever land is cultivated and often undermines the productive capacity of ecosystems. Vegetative cover offers a simple, inexpensive, but under-utilized technology which can be used to control erosion and prevent soil degradation. Its use in agricultural systems has been limited by human and technical factors. This project will develop a rapid screening system for selection of tropical and temperate species for use as vegetative covers in harsh environments. Growth chambers will be used to simulate specific environmental conditions and characterize boundary conditions of temperature, moisture and light for germination and early growth of selected species. Field tests at temperate and tropical field sites will be used to evaluate growth chambers as prediction tools. Socio- cultural analyses will be conducted at a tropical field site to enhance adoption and adaption of the technology and improve its efficacy in restoring degraded lands.
