Forests and deserts are related in several ways despite being very different biomes. They often exist in close proximity because their formation is influenced by factors like rainfall and climate. For example, a desert receiving enough rainfall over time can gradually turn into a forested area. Both biomes contribute to the oxygenation of the atmosphere through photosynthesis, but deserts have less vegetation and thus a lower capacity for this process. Additionally, forests and deserts cover significant portions of the Earth's surface, with forests covering about 31% and deserts about 33%.
Their relationship is also evident in environmental dynamics such as how climate, geography, and human activities impact them. For instance, desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, often due to deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices, highlighting the connection between forests and deserts in land degradation and restoration efforts. Forestry activities are crucial in combating desertification, stabilizing soils, and restoring degraded lands adjacent to deserts.