A global review on arid zone restoration: approaches and challenges

Abstract

Arid environments have become degraded in recent times through human activity highlighting the need for restoration works to reverse this trend. One of the most common forms of restoration works is revegetation. However, revegetation is difficult in the arid zone due to a combination of environmental factors such as low moisture and extreme temperatures, as well as financial and administrative factors. In this review, we investigated the literature describing various methods available for arid revegetation, and assess their utility for revegetation activities. Each of the methods investigated were found to have potential advantages and disadvantages, though some general trends were observed. Two main planting methods were identified, “out‐planting” and “direct seeding.” Which of these methods to use depends on the conditions of the project being undertaken. Out‐planting appeared to be the most suited approach to smaller scale projects with higher budget availability, whereas direct seeding was more suited to large scale, lower budget projects. Weed control prior to planting was identified as being critical for success in most works, whereas soil ripping was beneficial for direct seeding projects. Among the soil amendments investigated, water‐holding gels were most likely to be beneficial, whereas fertilizers were riskier due to their potential to reduce drought tolerance and increase weed invasion. Microbial inoculation with mycorrhiza showed high potential to improve plant performance but may be held back by the lack of suitable commercial sources. Newer seed technologies, such as synthetic seed coats and pellets, show promise, but this issue still requires further research and development.