Advance farming in the desert - the Israeli experience

摘要

Desert constitutes 60％of the total area in Israel.The annual precipitation is 100-200 mm and evaporation reaches 2500 mm.Traditional desert agriculture of growing rainfed wheat and grazing sheep,goat and camels is common.Despite the harsh climate conditions,advance agriculture is concentrated in locations where water resources exist.Mild climate season of winter(October-April)is used for growing vegetables,flowers,herbs and fruits,mostly for export to European countries.The key is sustainable management of the local natural resources.The local research and development system is generating adequate knowledge and technologies.The most important factor is developing water resources,and using them efficiently by drip system and protected agriculture(greenhouses and plastic tunnels).The unfit desert soil is substituted by sand and artificial growing media.For gaining market,botanical species of special flower and vegetable crops,avocado,pitaya,jojoba are introduced.Controlled drip irrigation and drainage helps to solve salinity problems.Integrated Pest Management is used to overcome plant protection issues.Advanced raising of milking cows was developed by using heat stress reduction methods.Raising fish in protected ponds and ostriches were adapted to desert conditions.On the southern Judean hills where precipitation is 250 mm,soil conservation work and rain water harvesting has permitted afforestation,which is changing the desert scenery.Farmers,extension agents and research scientists have all contributed to these developments.