Climate change and desertification: threat to our soils!

Climate change and desertification: threat to our soils!

On June 20, 2025, an excursion to the fascinating Waterberg Plateau in Namibia began, introducing participants to the complex challenges of land use and desertification. This experience, which was organized in collaboration with the University of Potsdam, consisted of various practical station visits. After a quick breakfast, the groups started their field work.

The first station was under the guidance of Dr. Clara Nesongano, who introduced the line point intercept method. This process, known as the Rapid Ecosystem Assessment Method, is used to accurately assess rangeland conditions. A 50 meter long transect was examined, on which observations were made every two meters. The most common grass species recorded in this area are Eragrostis trichophora and Cynodon dactylon; both are crucial to local vegetation.

The importance of vegetation

At the second station, Dr. Mark Bilton and doctoral student Nali Moyo from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) presented the vegetation cover estimate. A 1×1 meter square was used along a 10 meter long transect. Participants estimated the percentage and height of the different species. Particularly noteworthy was the role of shrubs in creating favorable microhabitats and thus increasing biodiversity.

Next, doctoral student Katrin Zimmer from the University of Bonn presented soil assessment techniques. Participants collected soil samples using an auger and classified them using the Munsell soil color map. The pH value was also tested and the moisture storage capacity was measured. It found that darker soils tend to have higher organic carbon content, indicating their fertility.

The journey back from the stations revealed further insights into soil erosion. In particular, the gullies caused by water flow during the rainy season were observed, highlighting the effects of extreme weather conditions.

Desertification and its consequences

The day continued with a lecture by Dr. Diego Menestrey Schwieger from the University of Cologne, who discussed the tipping points of desertification from a social anthropological perspective. He emphasized the central role of social scientists in dealing with desertification and explained that local communities are increasingly developing assessment methods independently. Despite the challenges in implementing effective grazing plans, there are efforts to address desertification. He concluded his remarks with the important insight that combating desertification, although difficult, is achievable if a collective effort is made.

The day was rounded off with a practical drone exercise led by Prof. Ben Strohbach from NUST. The participants received an overview of different types of drones and their applications. A fixed-wing drone was successfully used to capture high-resolution images of an area approximately 1 kilometer long and 100 meters wide. It was pleasing that participants had the opportunity to pilot the drone themselves, with only one minor crash.

The excursion highlighted the importance of protecting against desertification and promoting soil fertility. Loss of fertility, particularly in arid regions, threatens agricultural performance and increases the risk of desertification. This problem is not only local, but also affects other regions such as the coastal areas of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Combating desertification requires a variety of measures, including reforestation and the use of traditional agricultural methods, which are supported by organizations such as Welthungerhilfe be promoted.

In summary, the excursion shows the major challenge that many regions face and the necessary steps to maintain soil fertility. Continued exchange between scientists and local communities will be crucial to finding sustainable solutions to increasing desertification.

If you would like to find out more about approaches to soil assessment and the effects of desertification, you can also find further information on the website Colorado State University.