Soil degradation is a pressing environmental concern that results from the misuse or mismanagement of soil, commonly for industrial, agricultural, or urban purposes. Soil is a vital natural resource that forms the basis of all terrestrial life. Hence, it is imperative to safeguard soil quality.
Soil degradation or deterioration can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Physical factors such as loss of fertile topsoil due to water or wind erosion.
- Chemical factors such as water saturation, nutrient depletion, or toxicity caused by extreme acidity or alkalinity.
- Biological factors affecting soil microbial activity and microflora.
Other contributing elements include deforestation, intensive farming on marginal land, inappropriate agricultural practices like monoculture, insufficient manuring, misuse or overuse of fertilisers, over-irrigation, overgrazing, soil vulnerability, adverse weather conditions, and mining activities.
Water erosion is one of the primary causes of degradation. It's considered to be the most detrimental as it impacts over 87% of the concerned area.
Here are the major causes of soil degradation or unproductivity:
- Water erosion (rill, sheet and gully erosion)
- Salinity and wind erosion (irrigation, dryland, and urban salinity)
- Reduction of organic matter
- Soil alkalinity or acidity
- Surface sealing and soil compaction
- Mass movement
- Soil contamination (effects of harmful pollutants and chemicals)
Related Links:
- Understanding Soil Erosion: Definition, Causes, Effects, and Prevention
- Exploring the Difference between Erosion and Weathering
Visit the biology section for more information.