Soil degradation: a global problem endangering sustainable development

Physical soil quality indicators for monitoring British soils

“…Soil sealing has been identified as one of the greatest threats to soil functions in the UK (Rawlins et al, 2013) and worldwide (García et al, 2014;Jie et al, 2002). The growth of these impervious areas is regarded as an indicator of land degradation (Munafò et al, 2013) as it results in interruptions to gaseous, water and energy exchanges in soils (for example water regulation); decreased biomass production; and increased concentrations of soil pollutants (Scalenghe and Marsan, 2009).…”

Biochar research activities and their relation to development and environmental quality. A meta-analysis

“…The literature often reports that the majority of land degradation is caused by human activity (e.g., overgrazing, deforestation, agricultural mismanagement or mining) that stimulates the loss of organic matter due to erosion, physical and chemical soil deterioration of the soil (Jie et al 2002;Barman et al 2013;Oldeman 1994;Oldeman et al 1991). This in turn reduces soil productivity and the provision of crucial ecosystem services (ELD Initiative 2015; Barman et al 2013).…”

Soil Carbon Stocks in Different Land-Use Classes of Gandhinagar, Gujarat

“…Land-use change by natural causes or anthropogenic activities like deforestation for conversion to agriculture, intensive cropping, and urbanization causes degradation of soil by impact on physical, chemical and biological properties [1][2][3] . The magnitude and pace of soil decay varies according to the nature and intensity of change.…”

“…A reverse change like agriculture or pastures to forest or restoration of degraded lands enhance soil quality and fertility 4 . Naturally, degradation is a slow process but human interference has both directly and indirectly exacerbated the process causing soil infertility and desertification as global problems 1 . Anthropogenic land-use change is a result of multiple stakeholders and institutions playing their roles in response to the economic development 5 .…”