Soil degradation

 Soil degradation 

Is the decline in soil condition caused by its improper use or poor management,  usually for agricultural, industrial or urban purposes. It is a physical, chemical and biological decline in soil quality. It spreads at an alarming rate, endangered land fertility and productivity and by extension the world's food supply. 

Factors that causes soil degradation 

  • Physical factors: rainfall, surface runoff, floods, wind erosion etc, results in the loss of fertile topsoil thereby decline soil quality.
  • Biological factors: human activities like: poor farming practices and some plant activities may deplete soil nutrients thus, diminishing soil fertility. 
  • Chemical factors: reduction of soil nutrients because of alkalinity,  can cause soil degradation.
  • Deforestation: cause soil degradation on the account of exposing soil minerals by removing trees.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Soil aeration

Image
  Soil aeration   Is a rapid exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the soil pore spaces and the atmosphere, in order to prevent efficiency of oxygen and toxicity of carbon dioxide in the soil air. Soil aeration influences the availability of many nutrients.  Aeration is the process by which air is circulated through,  mixed or dissolved on liquid or substance that act as a fluid.  It helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason is to alleviate soil compaction.  A lawn is an area soil-covered land planted with grasses and other durable plants like clover, which maintained at a short height with a lawn mower. Commonly referred to as part of of a garden. 
Read more

TOPIC 2: SOIL

Image
  Introduction Soil is a hard surface of Earth, that made up of dead organic and inorganic particles. It provide structural support for plants used in Agriculture and is also their source of water and nutrients. 
Read more

Soil profile

Image
Soil profile  Soil profile  is a vertical section of the soil that is exposed by a soil pit. A soil pit is a hole that is dug from the surface of the soil to the underlying bedrock. Types of the soil profile  Horizon A ( Topsoil ) This is the layer that we call " topsoil ". It is usually dark in colour due to human presence. It is well aerated and well drained. It consists of good crumb structure and is highly weathered and fertile. It also contains soil living organisms and usually cultivated part of soil. Horizon B (Sub-soil) This is the layer that we call " sub-soil ". It is located below Horizon A. It has clay and mineral deposits. It accommodates few plants roots and soil organisms. It is usually poorly drained and aerated. Leached plant nutrients from topsoil accumulate in subsoil. It is less susceptible to erosion and weathering.  Horizon C ( Parental material ) This is the layer that we call " parent material/semi-watered " and is located below the...
Read more