Basic knowledge in Agriculture #33

Source: flyermaker

SOIL DEGRADATION

Soil degradation can be said to be the decline in the quality of soil nutrients, structure and supposed texture. It is a condition by which the soil is not the right state it should be.
This lead to decline in the crops quality and quantity too. It could be as a result of different causes which would be discussed later in this post along with other effects and ways to circumvent it.

CAUSES OF SOIL DEGRADATION

1. Excessive chemical use: incessant use of chemicals in the name of pesticides, insecticides and all could read to reducing the nutrients when the organic materials and organisms are gotten rid of by these chemicals.

2. Natural disasters (flood): Floods could be a major cause of soil degradation. The excessive movement of water could wash away the top soil (erosion) bringing about the decline in soil structure. It could also cause leaching; a situation whereby the nutrients are being washed away.

3. Soil compaction: soil tightly holding up together could be caused by movement of heavy machineries or footfalls on the farm, whereby they become pressed together. Compaction of the soil leads to low aeration and water movement throughout the soil. Microorganisms and other organic matters need enough water and oxygen (air) to function well and soil compaction could hinder this process. When this happens, the soil loses the state how it should be.

EFFECTS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

EFFECTS:
Soil degradation leads to

• Low crop yield
• Low crop quality
• Loss of organic materials
• Loss of soil microorganisms and biodiversity (various forms of helpful organisms in the soil).
  Build up of polluted soil.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
Soil degradation can be stopped by:

• Replacement of chemicals. Instead of chemical containing fertilizers, humus, compost manures can be used for the meantime.
• Afforestation should be put to practice. The planting of trees can help to restore the soil back to normal before it is way too late.
• Performing crop rotation. Crop rotation on farm lands would not weaken the soil and help in building up more soil nutrients.

Inviting: @destiny @solperez @aminaaa

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