Question

What are the factors which are responsible for land degradation?

Answer 1

Some of the factors responsible for land degradation are:

1. Loss of vegetation due to deforestation.

2. Overgrazing, i.e. grazing of natural pastures at stocking intensities above the livestock carrying capacity.

3. Encroachment into forest lands.

4. Non-adoption of adequate soil conservation measures.

5. Unsustainable fuelwood and fodder extraction.

6. Improper crop rotation.

7. Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides.

8. Improper planning and management of irrigation systems.

9. Extraction of groundwater in excess of the recharge capacity.

10. Poverty of the agriculture-dependent people.

11. Shifting cultivation.