Land-use transformations have crucial effects on the structure and function of the ecosystems. �This study deals with four long-term land-use transformations in the semi-arid area of the northern Negev Desert, Israel: from pastoralism grazing to natural system (termed hereafter as stage A); from natural to a pastoralism grazing system (stage B); from agro-pastoral to natural system (stage C); and from agro-pastoral to pastoralism grazing system (stage D). �Changes in land-use transformation were evaluated by soil quality (SQ) and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) as two main indicators.� Soil Quality Index (SQI) was developed in order to incorporate the 14 physical, biological, and chemical properties of soil into a single unit. �In addition, ANPP was estimated in the years 2010-2012.� In state A we found significant increase in the SQI (0.61 to 0.70 score) and ANPP (201.3 to 323.5 mg/m²).� In state B significant reduction in the SQI (0.66 to 0.54 score) and ANPP (280.3 to 164.4 mg/m²) were observed.� In state C no significant change were found in SQI (0.67 to 0.66 score) and ANPP (300.1 to 280.3 mg/m²). �In state D significant reduction in the SQI (0.67 to 0.54 score) and ANPP (300.1 to 164.6 mg/m²) were observed.� In addition, significant correlation were found between SQI and ANNP (0.7<R²<0.85; p≥0.05). Introducing grazing to natural system reduced the SQI and the ANNP, recovery time is nessecery for emproving the enveromental quality of the natural shrubland in semi-arid areas. �The agro-pastoral system includes intensive human management shown higher sustainability for grazing.� As our data suggests, the agro-pastoral systems may support and allow the nessecery recovery time of the natural ecosystem.� This complimentary management can prevent degradation processes and improve the enveromental quality in the semi-arid areas.� We conclude that the used procedures with regard to grazing changes in transition states by SQI and ANNP are suitable and applicable for evaluating environmental quality.�

Keyword: land-use transformations, soil quality, primary productivity, traditional pastoralism, agro-pastoral, abandoned agricultural.