The most common form of desertification is loss of perennial grasses from grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands, often with a replacement by inedible shrubs. Desertification continues to be a problem, especially during droughts when grazing pressures reduce ground cover, laying bare landscapes to wind and water erosion. 

Moves from vegetated to non-vegetated land (level 1). Level 3: From NTV (P1) to NS (P2).