Land Degradation, Meaning, Causes, Impact and Prevention

Land Degradation

Land degradation is caused by multiple forces, including extreme weather conditions, particularly drought. Much like air and water, land is an essential resource for humankind. Food insecurity, rising food costs, climate change, environmental dangers, the loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem services are just a few of the ways that everyone is impacted by land degradation, which is the deterioration or loss of the productive potential of the soils for the present and the future. In the context of the UPSC examination, land degradation is an important topic under the subject of environment and ecology of UPSC Syllabus. The UPSC Mock Test can help candidates prepare for the exam with more precision.

Land Degradation Meaning

Land Degradation occurs when its quality is reduced due to either natural or human reasons. Loss of productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services could come from this, which could have a big effect on the environment and civilization. Deforestation, excessive grazing, erosion, pollution, urbanization, and climate change are some typical causes of land degradation.

Land Degradation can reduce its fertility, capacity to support crops, and capacity to feed cattle, all of which can have a considerable effect on regional economies and food security. Environmental effects from land degradation might include soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and lowered water quality. These effects, such as flooding, drought, and desertification, can worsen the effects of climate change and contribute to it.

Land Degradation Causes

One of the primary causes of desertification is the loss of soil cover, which is mostly brought on by rainfall and surface runoff. It is to blame for 11.01% of the nation’s desertification. Forest removal degrades the soil and has negative effects. The demand for resources is rising along with urbanization.

“The temporary or permanent reduction in the density, structure, species composition, or productivity of vegetation cover” is the definition of “vegetation degradation.” It has been determined that it is to blame for 9.15% of the country’s desertification. Badland Topography, which is the first stage of desertification, is produced by water erosion. Dry areas known as “badlands” are those where clay-rich soils and softer sedimentary rocks have been severely degraded. Water erosion caused 10.98% of the nation’s desertification between 2011 and 2013.

Wind-borne sand encroachment decreases soil productivity, making the area vulnerable to desertification. It was discovered to be the cause of 5.46% of India’s desertification.  Changing the spatial and temporal patterns of temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, and winds, may make desertification worse.

Land Degradation Impact

Agriculture productivity is threatened by land deterioration. It worsens soil health, which has an effect on rural residents’ quality of life. It is causing climate change events to worsen, which is leading to even more damage. Degraded land, for instance, loses its ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas contributing to the severity of global warming.

Surface and groundwater resources have declined in quantity and quality as a result of land degradation. Under the best-case scenario of 1.5 deg-C warming, the population of dry land that is susceptible to water stress and drought intensity is predicted to reach 178 million by 2050. The ability of individuals and communities to combat climate change is impacted by insecure land tenure, which puts that effort at risk due to land degradation.

Land Degradation Prevention

Conservation and restoration initiatives, such reforestation, erosion control, and sustainable agriculture methods, can be used to combat land degradation. Additional measures, such as restricting deforestation and enhancing waste management, can be taken to minimize the causes of land degradation.

Land Degradation UPSC

The term “land degradation” describes the deterioration of the condition of the land, which can be brought on by human activity or by natural processes such soil erosion or climate change. The causes and effects of land degradation may be covered in the UPSC exam. Studying land degradation for the UPSC exam is crucial because it has a big impact on environmental preservation and sustainable development. Students can read all the details related to UPSC visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.

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