Soil degradation
Soil degradation
Soil degradation is a process in which the quality of the soil deteriorates due to human activities or natural phenomena, leading to a loss of soil fertility and making it less capable of supporting life and producing crops.
Soil degradation occurs for various reasons, including soil erosion caused by inappropriate agricultural practices, the impact of industrial and mining activities, deforestation, and drought. The loss of biodiversity and uncontrolled urban growth can also contribute to soil degradation.
To reduce soil degradation, sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of soil conservation techniques and crop rotation, must be implemented. It is also important to protect fertile soil areas from activities that can damage them, such as uncontrolled urban expansion and industrial and mining activities.
It is also crucial to promote and raise awareness of:
- the importance of soil and its biodiversity, including plants and microbes, in maintaining soil health and its ability to support life
- the negative consequences of soil degradation and how to prevent further damage.
