The stress to feed the ever-increasing population of the human race compels man to seek further sources of food. Among other areas of quest, his eye has turned towards the arid zones. By means of technique and research, he aimed at establishing agriculture in arid zones where it did not exist, or at increasing production in semiarid areas where not all resources have been exploited. These processes are continuing with ever-increasing force and with stronger determination. The functions involved in reclamation of land cause many changes to the face of the earth. These changes effect not only man but also other animals and, in particular, insects, our strongest competitors for food on earth. It is essential, therefore, to review in what ways man has interfered with existing conditions. It is important, among other things, to analyze and see in which actions he has gained and how he has lost.
The stress to feed the ever-increasing population of the human race compels man to seek further sources of food. Among other areas of quest, his eye has turned towards the arid zones. By means of technique and research, he aimed at establishing agriculture in arid zones where it did not exist, or at increasing production in semiarid areas where not all resources have been exploited. These processes are continuing with ever-increasing force and with stronger determination. The functions involved in reclamation of land cause many changes to the face of the earth. These changes effect not only man but also other animals and, in particular, insects, our strongest competitors for food on earth. It is essential, therefore, to review in what ways man has interfered with existing conditions. It is important, among other things, to analyze and see in which actions he has gained and how he has lost.