One of the major consequences of land degradation is soil erosion, where the top fertile layer of soil is washed away by wind or water. This leads to reduced agricultural output, food insecurity, and poverty, especially in rural areas. Desertification, a severe form of land degradation, turns productive land into barren deserts, making it unsuitable for cultivation. Land degradation also disrupts ecosystems, decreases groundwater recharge, and contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality and productivity of land due to natural and human activities. It reduces the land’s ability to support crops, vegetation, forests, and biodiversity. This process is mainly caused by deforestation, overgrazing, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, urbanization, mining, and poor irrigation practices. Natural factors such as floods, droughts, and soil erosion also contribute to the problem.
One of the major consequences of land degradation is soil erosion, where the top fertile layer of soil is washed away by wind or water. This leads to reduced agricultural output, food insecurity, and poverty, especially in rural areas. Desertification, a severe form of land degradation, turns productive land into barren deserts, making it unsuitable for cultivation. Land degradation also disrupts ecosystems, decreases groundwater recharge, and contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.