Author
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Sims, Gerald |
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Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (Mcgraw-Hill)
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2005 Publication Date: 11/1/2006 Citation: Sims, G.K. 2006. Soil degradation. McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, 10th ed. McGraw Hill, New York. Volume 16. Available: http://www.accesscience.com. Interpretive Summary: A review of recent literature was conducted to examine the processes, impact, and potential solutions to global soil degradation. For the purposes of the article, soil degradation was defined as loss in the quality or productivity of soil, often the result of human activities, such as agriculture, deforestation, mining, waste disposal, or chemical spills. Degradation was attributed to changes in soil nutrient status, biota, loss of organic matter, deterioration of soil structure, and toxicity due to accumulations of naturally occurring or anthropogenic (man-made) materials. The effects of soil degradation were found to include loss of agricultural productivity, negative impacts on the environment or economic stability, and exploitation of marginally suitable or virgin land. The impact of this review is to demonstrate that through increased understanding of soil degradation processes, it has been feasible to avoid many of the practices that damage soil, though cultural and economic factors continue to promote damaging land use choices. Technical Abstract: Soil degradation can be defined as loss in the quality or productivity of soil, and is often the result of human activities, such as agriculture, deforestation, mining, waste disposal, or chemical spills. Degradation is attributed to changes in soil nutrient status, biota, loss of organic matter, deterioration of soil structure, and toxicity due to accumulations of naturally occurring or anthropogenic (man-made) materials. The effects of soil degradation include loss of agricultural productivity, negative impacts on the environment or economic stability, and as a compensatory measure, exploitation of marginally suitable or virgin land. Increased understanding of soil degradation processes has made it technically feasible to avoid many of the practices that damage soil, however, cultural and economic factors continue to promote damaging land use choices. |
