Land Restoration

Core Ontological Distinctions

Afforestation vs. Reforestation vs. Agroforestry

Afforestation establishes forest cover on land that has not been forested in recent history. Reforestation restocks depleted or cleared forest lands. Agroforestry intentionally integrates woody perennials (trees/shrubs/bamboo) with agricultural crops and/or livestock on the same land management unit.

Contour Bunding vs. Graded Bunding vs. Bench Terracing

Contour bunding traps all rainwater in-situ on gentle slopes ($<6\%$) in low-rainfall zones ($<600\text{ mm}$). Graded bunding drains excess runoff safely along a slight channel gradient in high-rainfall zones ($>600\text{ mm}$). Bench terracing cuts steep hill slopes ($16\text{–}33\%$) into level steps.

Reclamation vs. Rehabilitation vs. Ecological Restoration

Reclamation stabilizes severely degraded land (e.g., sodic soil or mine spoil) for productive use. Rehabilitation repairs ecosystem functions and productivity. Ecological Restoration returns a degraded ecosystem to its pre-disturbance native species composition and biodiversity trajectory.