Soil degradation occurs when soil quality declines, reducing crop production. It is caused by changes in weather, acidification, desertification, erosion, and salinization. Salinization happens when excess irrigation leaves salts behind in the soil, accumulating toxins or dehydrating crops. Nutrient depletion results from harvesting removing nutrients from soil faster than intensive farming replaces them, limiting plant growth. Soil pollution from improper toxic waste disposal, dumping of spent oils and chemicals, kills species and decreases biodiversity, harming the soil.

1. SOIL DEGRADATION SOIL DEGRADATION

3. 1) Salinization -Caused by excess irrigation -Water used contains dissolved salts -These salts are left behind after water evaporates -Salts accumulate -Leads to death of crops (due to build up of toxins or dehydration)

4. 2) Nutrient Depletion -Harvesting crops = Removal of nutrients and minerals from soil -Intensive farming = nutrients are not replaced -Plants need nutrients/minerals to grow - If they don’t receive enough nutrients from the soil, they can’t grow