Soil degradation: main causes of the problem, solutions and consequences

Soil degradation is understood as a combination of processes that provoke a violation of the functional characteristics of the soil. At the same time, quantitative and qualitative deterioration of its properties is observed. The result is a loss of soil fertility. There are several types of degradation - pollution, waterlogging, salinization. The extreme degree of violation is the complete destruction of the soil cover.

What is soil degradation

Soil degradation is a process that provokes a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the land and a decrease in its fertility.With the complete destruction of the productive surface of the soil layer, the land loses its value for agriculture.

The main reasons for the emergence of an environmental problem include the following:

• increase in acidity parameters in vegetation cover;
• decrease in the amount of trace elements and other valuable substances that are needed for fertility;
• earth salinization;
• violation of the structure and granulometric composition of the soil;
• reconsolidation and waterlogging of the soil;
• development of erosive processes under the influence of wind or moisture;
• removal of fertile soil layer for construction.

In this case, the impact can be chemical, physical or biological. In the first case, there is a reduction in important chemical elements and the mineral base of the soil. This entails a deterioration in fertility and a decrease in yield.

Physical impact provokes a violation of the topographic profile of the soil surface. It also causes a deterioration in physical properties, reduces the level of fertility and moisture. Biological degradation is accompanied by soil contamination with pathogenic bacteria and the death of beneficial microorganisms that increase crop yields.

Main reasons

Soil degradation is mainly related to the following factors:

1. Violation of the rules for applying top dressings and pesticides. The use of excessive amounts of nitrogen negatively affects the structure of the soil and reduces its resistance to erosion. Pesticides containing s alts of heavy metals cause a decrease in soil fertility. The fact is that during processing, the destruction of beneficial bacteria and worms occurs. In addition, there is a risk of changes in acidity.
2. Reclamation work. If the technology is violated, a decrease in the size of the humus layer is observed. At the same time, the soil-forming rock sprinkles the fertile soil layer.
3. Logging. In this case, the undergrowth, litter, grass cover suffer. Tractor portages and the movement of timber along temporary roads are examples of particularly harmful effects.
4. Grubbing. With the root system of trees, a lot of humus is taken out of the soil.
5. Forest fires. In this case, in addition to trees, the forest floor and grass are destroyed.

Types

There are several basic types of degradation, each of which has certain characteristics.

Technological (operational)

In this case, anthropogenic activity leads to degradation. The structure of the soil is disturbed due to overexploitation. This is due to the misuse of land, in which they are not allowed to rest or change from one type of planting to another.

Overwetting and swamping

The factors influencing the structure of the soil include its waterlogging with a large amount of precipitation and floods. Incorrect reclamation also leads to problems. In this case, the content of oxygen required by plants decreases in the fertile soil layer.

Desertification

This is the most common type of soil degradation. In this case, fertile lands turn into a lifeless wasteland. This process is accompanied by soil pollution, death of animals and plants. The main cause of problems is the lack of moisture in the surface structures of the earth.

Salinization

This process is accompanied by the accumulation of s alts in the root layer. These substances provoke a violation of acidity parameters. At the same time, sulfates, sodium and calcium s alts, and chlorides accumulate in the soil.

Soil erosion

This term is understood as the destruction of the upper layers of the vegetation cover - they are considered the most fertile. Problems can be caused by washing out during rainfall and floods, or blown away by strong winds.

Reclamation of nearby swamps, improper irrigation of fields, logging, excessive use of fertilizers leads to anthropogenic erosion.

How to rate

Soil degradation is observed in different regions. To the greatest extent it is expressed in the Volga, Central, Far Eastern federal districts. However, this is not a complete list of problem areas.

A special scale is used to assess soil changes. In this case, points are affixed as follows:

• non-degraded soil - no more than 5;
• slightly degraded soil - up to 25;
• medium degraded land - 25-50;
• highly degraded soil - 50-70;
• extremely degraded soil - more than 70.

The indicated indicators are not absolute. They only talk about the relationship with the reference indicator of the normal state of the vegetation cover and do not take into account the characteristics of specific soils. The real criteria include combined indicators, which include the degree of erosion, salinity, waterlogging.

Possible consequences

Soil degradation leads to negative consequences. In advanced cases, the land becomes unsuitable for growing crops.

Dehumification

Decrease in humus content is observed during secondary salinization of the soil due to excessive irrigation, waterlogging, waterlogging, and the use of fertilizers. Also, an increase in soil acidity parameters leads to problems.

Seal

In this case, there is a decrease in yield by 10-40%. The causes of problems include the use of heavy equipment in the fields, constant grazing, plowing.

Increase in acidity

To a strong increase in acidity leads to excessive use of dressings. Acid rain can also cause problems. To cope with the problem, it is necessary to carry out liming.

Flooding

This term is understood as a special state of groundwater, in which they rise to the level of the root system or to the surface of the soil. The causes of problems can be prolonged rainfall, violation of land reclamation rules, fires that draw water from the land.

Problem Solving

To cope with land degradation, reclamation is carried out. To restore the structure of the soil, technical planning of the site is carried out. Then it is covered with a layer of soil with a high humus content. At the next stage, agrotechnical preparation and phytomelioration are carried out. These treatments help bring the area back to life.

Soil degradation is considered a rather complex problem, which leads to a significant reduction in yields. To cope with the violation, it is necessary to establish the causes of its occurrence and take adequate measures.

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