Problems and strategies for sustainable development of farming and animal husbandry in the Agro-Pastoral Transition Zone in Northern China (APTZNC)

The Agro-Pastoral Transition Zone in Northern China (APTZNC) is one of the world's distinct ecological ecotones, covering 69 X 10(4) km(2) and having a population of approximately 6.7 x 10(7). The location of the APTZNC reflects its importance as a vast natural ecological shelterbelt, with an important role in national environmental protection. However, in recent years, the APTZNC has been seriously damaged do to overgrazing and reclamation disturbances, thus endangering the development of farming and animal husbandry and threatening national ecological security. The Chinese State Council issued a paper on 'Construct Planning of the National Environment' that confirmed the region as one of four priority areas for consideration by 2010. The results of the present study indicate that heavy population pressure and overgrazing are the main causes for ecological deterioration, and that desertification is the primary obstacle that limits farming and livestock production. The implementation of an ecological population emigration policy, regulation of farming ecosystem structure to forage and grass cultivation, and adjusting the agricultural central production value from farming to livestock breeding are essential strategies required to harmonise agricultural development and ecological protection.