Soil degradation is a decline in the soils quality caused by improper use such as agricultural practices and industrial or urban practices. Soil degradation can cause a serious global problem and may be aggravated by climate change. Examples of soil degradation includes loss of organic matter, decline in structural condition, erosion, adverse changes in salinity, acidity or alkalinity, and the effects of toxic chemicals, pollutants or excessive flooding.
Soil degradation has affected the environment …show more content…
The soil contains various microorganisms. The organisms recycle organic material which can help the soil hold water better. The microorganisms are dying out because they need carbon to survive. We are taking more out of the soil then what we are putting back and that is contributing to the depletion of soil. Helping with the carbon being in the soil, we can leave the stubble in the fields instead of burning off. Lost in carbon is also found in the misuse of fertilizers and overgrazing. If too many animals are eating off all the plant life the plants will not be able to carry out photosynthesis which is a way of getting …show more content…
The traditional farmers do not believe in the new methods of no-tilling. Tilling the land allows the soil to be ready for sowing, it also churns weeds and crop residue back into the earth. Tilling also allows fertilizers, manure to mix and helps loosen the top layer of the soil. Tillage cost money, degrading the soil, killing the microorganisms including fungi and earthworms. The costs include heavy applications of synthetic fertilizers. Since the structure broke down the soil washes away easily during heavy rain, which removes nitrogen and other pollutants with it into nearby rivers contaminating the waters.
To prevent a complete depletion of soil there needs to be an effort to provide carbon back into the soil. If carbon is back into the soil this will provide the microorganisms that live in the soil to be able to carry out their niche. There can also be a decrease in the use of farming practices such as tillage, overgrazing and removing stubble. We can use natural fertilizers instead of synthetic fertilizers. By the idea of cutting down the usage of practices like tillage. There should be a way to a way to reward farmers for regenerating the environment and producing foods that allows for a healthier