Semi-arid climate

A climate with low, variable precipitation, generally too dry to support forests but wetter than an arid desert climate.

Aridity index: A measure comparing water available from precipitation with atmospheric demand for water. It quantifies the balance that distinguishes semi-arid climates from wetter and drier climates.
Arid climate: A climate with precipitation too low to support substantial vegetation without persistent water limitation. It is drier than semi-arid climate and corresponds broadly to desert conditions.
Dryland farming: Crop production that relies primarily on stored soil moisture and rainfall rather than irrigation. It adapts planting and soil management to the limited water supply of semi-arid areas.
Grassland: An ecosystem dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants, with few or no trees. Grasslands are common where rainfall limits forest growth but supports continuous plant cover.
Potential evapotranspiration: The amount of water that could evaporate and be transpired if enough water were available. High atmospheric demand can make modest rainfall insufficient to sustain forests.
Humid climate: A climate in which precipitation generally exceeds atmospheric water demand. Its sustained water surplus contrasts with the moisture deficit typical of semi-arid climates.
Rangeland: Land dominated by native or naturalized vegetation used for grazing livestock or wildlife. Sparse, drought-adapted vegetation often makes grazing a major land use in semi-arid regions.
Soil salinity: The accumulation of soluble salts in soil to levels that impair plant growth. High evaporation and irrigation with poor drainage can concentrate salts in dry environments.
Rain shadow: A dry region on the leeward side of a mountain range, where descending air limits precipitation. Mountain barriers create semi-arid belts by removing moisture from prevailing winds.
Steppe: A treeless grassland biome with limited rainfall, found in both temperate and subtropical regions. Steppe landscapes commonly develop under semi-arid climates.

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