Muddy rivers are a problem for some, especially the direct users of the river water, and a solution for land lacking in fertility. The ancient culture of Egypt and most Asian paddy rice systems were based on muddy rivers. Yet, to many observers ‘muddy rivers’ are a symptom of serious land degradation that needs to be resolved. Most problems with river flow and water are, in the public eye, linked to trees, or a lack of them. Forest conversion often leads to erosion and muddy rivers, but only because the resulting land use is too open. There are many ways to protect soils forest- once the key processes are clarified. Research results from Indonesia help clarify the potential role of trees in the landscape, outside the forest.
Publication year
2006
Authors
Verbist B; Kurniatun H; van Noordwijk, M.
Language
English
Keywords
deforestation, land degradation, mud, rivers, trees, water resources
