Soil degradation
Soil Degradation (Pronunciation: /sɔɪl dɛgrəˈdeɪʃən/)
Soil degradation is a process that involves the deterioration or loss of the productive capacity of the soils. This process is often caused by human activities such as agriculture and deforestation, as well as natural phenomena like erosion and climate change.
Etymology
The term "soil degradation" is derived from the Latin words "solum" meaning "ground, soil" and "degradare" meaning "to reduce, wear down".
Related Terms
- Soil Erosion: The removal of the top layer of soil through natural processes or human activities.
- Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential nutrients.
- Soil Conservation: Practices aimed at preventing soil degradation and preserving soil health.
- Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Causes of Soil Degradation
Soil degradation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overgrazing: This occurs when plants are exposed to intensive grazing for extended periods of time.
- Deforestation: The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation leads to serious erosion.
- Urban sprawl: Land degradation in urban areas is chiefly caused by man's increased use of land for construction, infrastructure, and mining.
- Climate change: Changes in climate patterns can increase the rate of soil degradation.
Effects of Soil Degradation
Soil degradation has a number of negative effects, including:
- Reduced agricultural productivity
- Disruption of water cycle
- Loss of biodiversity
- Increased vulnerability to climate change
Prevention and Mitigation
Preventing and mitigating soil degradation involves practices such as:
- Sustainable farming: This includes techniques that protect the soil, such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and organic farming.
- Reforestation: Planting trees to restore deforested areas can help prevent soil erosion and degradation.
- Land management: This involves planning and managing the use of land resources to prevent soil degradation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Soil degradation
- Wikipedia's article - Soil degradation
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