Rocky desertification in Guangxi karst mountainous area: its tendency, formation causes and rehabilitation

By using Landsat TM/ETM digital images, the temporal-spatial structure characteristics and developing principle of rocky desertification in Guangxi karst mountainous areas were monitored from mid-1980s to later 1990s. The formation causes of rocky desertification are discussed. Serials of model are introduced to measure the influential direction and intensification of different rock desertification factors in the case area and some new conclusions approached. In order to harmonize the economy development and eco-environment optimization in the rocky desertification mountainous region, the eco-system rehabilitation and anti-poverty exploitation should be considered as a whole. To develop industries with comparable advantages, promote integrative exploitation, foster eco-friendly rural economy, and involve all the society into ecological environment reconstruction are some highly suggested strategies for ecologically rehabilitation of the rocky desertification. The research results can be used for reference of rural development and ecological restoration in Guangxi and south-east karst regions in China.