1 | Earth Science

SOIL
Activities that Degrades Soil Quality
1. Soil Erosion
 Refers to the absolute soil losses in terms of topsoil and nutrients
2. Soil Compaction
 Reduces the amount of air, water, and space available to roots and soil organism
3. Desertification
 Irreversible change of the land to such a state where it can no longer be recovered for its
original use
4. Intensive Agriculture
 Intensification of agriculture has led to the use of more and heavier machinery,
deforestation, and clearing of land for use in cultivation
5. Urbanization
 Increasing population has led to the conversion of land to urban centers which are
generally characterized by concrete structures, roads, and pavements
Conservation of Soil Resource

 Increase soil organic matter

 Keeping the soil covered and vegetated
 Avoid excessive tillage
 Manage pests and nutrient efficiently
 Promoting crop rotation
 Reducing erosion and preventing soil compaction