إدارة المناطق

The research programs launched by the Range Management Unit concentrate on restoring the ecological balance that is upset by man misuse through overgrazing, over- cutting of trees, and the utilization of marginal lands in cultivation, all of which, assist in the very fast desert creep reflected now in about  13 states of the country.
Research Activities 
Research programs and activities carried out by the unit included re-vegetation of the deteriorated rangelands of the country through reseeding, protection of the weak areas against grazing for sometimes to restore vigour and implementing other known techniques in range improvement. The unit also contributes in teaching the graduate courses offered by the Institute, workshops and seminars. This is in addition to the publication of text books, brochures and booklets in the discipline.
Facilities
The Institute of Desertification and Desert Cultivation Studies , which is hosting the Unisco  Chair, has a number of essential facilities  for laboratory and field research. These include:
1- A two hundred feddans (feddan=0.42 ha) experimental farm in a desert area 40km north west Um Durman city.
2-Laboratory for routine soil analysis
3-Well equipped computer laboratory with internet facilities for typing ,browsing journals and books
4-Audiovisual aids  including OHP, LCD and others for seminars, workshops and conferences
5- Neighbouring rangelands in Khartoum State within easy access which will provide an excellent environment for research in dry areas.
Research topics tackled by the  unit:
A) completed:

  • Effect of protected grazing allotments on rangeland rehabilitation and recovery in the semi-arid area of North Kordofan, Western Sudan.
  •  Effect of enclosures on range productivity in Abu Zaid Forest, East Nile Area, Khartoum State.
  • Range improvement by re-seeding grass-legume mixture and water conservation techniques in the semi-arid Butana area- Eastern Sudan.
  • The effects of enclosures in the re-vegetation of deteriorated rangelands in Sudan. Case study: Salamat Wad Nayel, Khartoum State
  • Effect of tillage and cover treatments on the improvements of the Butana Ranges, Eastern Sudan.
  • An integrated sylvo-pastoral system in El Rawashda Forest Reserve, Eastern Sudan.
  • Effect of tillage treatments on soil moisture conservation and plant growth in a semi-arid rangeland of the Sudan.
  • Effects of tillage and crop treatments on pasture productivity and carrying capacity in a desertified semi-arid rangeland of the Sudan.

B) underway:

  • Effects of different concentrations of sea water on  germination and growth of different forage species.
  • Effect of Rangeland Burning and Mechanical Treatments on the Improvement of a deteriorated  Rangeland in the Blue Nile State.
  • Pattern of range use and forage quality and quantity with advance in the season in Dar Rezaigat Area, Southern Darfur
  •  The role of burning and distribution of water points on vegetation cover and rangeland degradation
  • Evaluation of native range plants as well as forage species (grasses and legumes) for drought tolerance for re-vegetation of degraded lands under in arid and semi-arid climate.
  •  Evaluation of native range plants as well as forage species (grasses and legumes) for salt tolerance for re-vegetation in areas where soils are affected by salinity.

  • Use of sewage water for forage production.