What is soil degradation?

Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality resulting from various factors, such as erosion, contamination, or nutrient depletion. This phenomenon can occur due to natural processes, but it is often exacerbated by human activities like agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization. The loss of topsoil, reduction in organic matter, and changes in soil chemistry negatively impact soil health, leading to diminished agricultural productivity and ecological balance.

It's important to recognize that understanding soil degradation encompasses the consequences of these harmful influences on the soil environment. For instance, erosion can wash away essential nutrients, while contamination may introduce harmful substances that disrupt soil microbiota. Moreover, nutrient depletion occurs when crops are harvested without adequate replenishment of the nutrients extracted from the soil.

The other options do not accurately describe soil degradation. For instance, improvement of soil quality or properties through human activity indicates a positive change, while soil degradation represents a decline. Hence, identifying soil degradation focuses squarely on recognizing and addressing the factors that lead to the deterioration of soil health.