It is widely recognised that environmental problems such as soil degradation (erosion and desertification) affects many agricultural lands globally. These problems have caused soil quality decline, crop yield reduction, economic crisis, poverty, unemployment, and rural urban migration. Soil management practices are considered as the most vital and sustainable possible solution to control soil erosion and desertification. This management include use of organic manure, crop rotation, use of cover crop, intercropping, planting shelter belt and afforestation, provision of water ways, good surface drainage system, restoration of rangeland, regeneration and secondary forest, and political changes.
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 GENERAL DISCUSSION
2.1 Soil problems: soil degradation and consequences
2.2 Sustainable soil management practices as possible solutions
3.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the global challenge of soil degradation, specifically focusing on erosion and desertification, and evaluates sustainable management practices aimed at restoring soil quality, fertility, and agricultural productivity.
- The environmental and economic consequences of global soil degradation.
- Distinction between soil degradation processes: physical, chemical, and biological.
- Assessment of vulnerability classes regarding land and soil degradation.
- Analysis of sustainable soil management practices including intercropping, crop rotation, and afforestation.
- Strategic recommendations for future soil management and environmental policies.
Excerpt from the Book
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The vast importance of soil in the development of various systems of agriculture and types of civilizations has long been recognized (Jenny, 1994). Soil is the basis of production in agriculture and forestry, an important component of the human environment (Zachar, 1982), and is a significant component of arid ecosystems (Russell and Greacen, 1977). Soil provides habitats for organisms (the soil fauna and micro-organisms) (Wild, 1993) and moisture and nutrients for the basic requirements of plant growth (Okigbo, 1991). Therefore, the science of soil has played, and continues to play, an important role in global studies of food production and Earth’s natural resources (Hartemink, 2003). This work is on progress with the effort of many researchers and organizations through the provision of relevant information on global soil resources e.g. the development of the FAO-UNESCO soil map of the world. However, there is a need to improve the existing information on management and sustainability of soils in areas of poor research development such as Africa (e.g. Tor, 2001). This is to help improve the fertility and quality of soils of the region using management practices such as organic matter application, composting, proper irrigation systems, intercropping, and others. These activities may help increase food availability by improving soil quality, sustain soil fertility and maintain yield production (Blum, 1994; Zhao, 1995; Lal, 1997; World Bank, 2001; Mortimore and Adams, 2001; Osbahr and Allen, 2002; Pretty et al., 2003).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter establishes the fundamental importance of soil for global food production and outlines the necessity for improved management practices, particularly in regions like Africa, to combat soil fertility decline.
2.0 GENERAL DISCUSSION: This section provides a comprehensive analysis of soil degradation, covering its causes (both natural and human-induced), consequences, and detailed sustainable management techniques such as manure application, mulching, and intercropping.
3.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the main arguments regarding the necessity of sustainable soil management and suggests specific research priorities to address soil degradation globally.
Keywords
Soil degradation, Desertification, Soil erosion, Sustainable agriculture, Soil fertility, Land management, Organic manure, Composting, Crop rotation, Intercropping, Afforestation, Food production, Soil quality, Sustainable development, Arid ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this publication?
The document focuses on identifying the basic causes of global soil degradation and proposing sustainable agricultural solutions to mitigate these issues.
What are the main thematic areas covered in the text?
The text covers soil erosion by wind and water, the process of desertification, and various management practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and shelterbelt establishment.
What is the central research question?
The core objective is to discuss how sustainable soil management practices can effectively address soil degradation to ensure future food security and maintain environmental health.
Which scientific methods are discussed for soil restoration?
The author discusses practical methods including the use of organic matter and composting, minimum tillage, cover crops, and the establishment of shelterbelts and waterways.
What does the main body address regarding soil degradation?
The main body categorizes degradation into physical, chemical, and biological processes and examines its on-site and off-site impacts on agriculture and the economy.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The work is defined by terms such as soil degradation, sustainable agriculture, desertification, soil erosion, and soil fertility management.
How does soil erosion affect crop yield?
Erosion causes the loss of topsoil and vital nutrients, which directly reduces the soil's capacity to support plant growth and leads to annual crop yield decreases.
What role do shelterbelts play in soil management?
Shelterbelts act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed, protecting crops, and conserving soil moisture to prevent degradation.
Why is desertification considered a major threat?
Desertification reduces the productivity of dryland ecosystems and compromises the survival of human and animal populations by depleting natural resources.
What is the significance of the "soil recapitalisation" concept?
It refers to international efforts to restore degraded soils through sustainable development programs, enhancing food production and improving environmental quality through carbon sequestration.
- Quote paper
- PhD Student Suleiman Usman (Author), 2011, The basic soil problems and possible solutions in agriculture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/172288
