Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Soil Degradation: Contributing Factors and Extensive Impacts on Agricultural Practices and Ecological Systems- Systematic Review
Adugna Bayata

Abstract
Soil degradation is a significant issue that has extensive impacts on agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and global food security. This systematic review explores the contributing factors of soil degradation, including both natural processes and human-induced activities. Key drivers such as deforestation, overgrazing, industrial activity, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change are examined. Soil degradation manifests in various forms, including erosion, loss of organic matter, salinization, compaction, acidification and contamination; each affecting soil structure, fertility, and water retention capacity. The consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching, threatening agricultural sustainability and leading to declining crop yields and reduced soil reliance. Additionally, soil degradation disrupts ecological systems, diminishing biodiversity, changing nutrient cycles, and contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The review also highlights the economic impacts of soil degradation, particularly, on smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions who are heavily dependent on agriculture. Different findings underscore the urgent need for integrated soil management strategies that promote sustainable land use and agricultural practices. Various solutions, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, crop rotation, cover cropping, and soil amendments with organic materials were discussed as potential strategies to mitigate soil degradation and restore.The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated soil management strategies that promote sustainable land use and agricultural practice soil health and increase crop productivity. This review emphasizes that addressing soil degradation requires a coordinatedglobal efforts involving policy makers, researchers, and practitioners to ensure the long-term viability of agricultural systems and the preservation of ecological balance.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v13a3