LAND DEGRADATION INTRUDUCTION• Land degradation is a process in which the value of the

biophysical environment is affected by a combination of human-induced processes acting upon the land.

• It is viewed as any change or disturbance to the land perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.

• Land degradation is the most important environmental problem currently challenging sustainable development in many parts of the world. The problem is most acute where the environment is intrinsically vulnerable and where the population is losing control of its own resources.

• Natural hazards are excluded as a cause; however human activities can indirectly affect phenomena such as floods and bush fires.

CAUSES OF LAND DEGRADATION

1. Land clearance, such as clear cutting and deforestation.2. Agricultural depletion of soil nutrients through poor

farming practices.3. Livestock including overgrazing and over drafting.4. Inappropriate irrigation and over drafting.5. Urban sprawl and commercial development.6. Vehicle off-roading.7. Quarrying of stone, sand, ore and minerals.8. Increase in field size due to economies of scale, reducing

shelter for wildlife, as hedgerows and copses disappear.

9. Exposure of naked soil after harvesting by heavy equipment.

10. Monoculture, destabilizing the local ecosystem.11. Dumping of non-biodegradable trash, such as plastics12. Soil degradation, e.g

I. Soil contaminationII. Soil erosionIII. Soil acidificationIV. Loss of soil carbon

Soil erosion by wind or water

• WATERLOGGING AND SALINIZATION OF IRRIGATED LAND.

• OVER EXTRACTION OF WELLS, RIVERS AND DAMS .

EXCESSIVE AND CONTINUOUS USE OF FERTILISER, HERBICIDE AND PESTICIDE .

THANK YOU