Question -
Answer -
The following factors contribute towards land degradation in India:
1. When agents such as strong winds or floods remove the upper layer of soil, it is called soil erosion. Top most layer contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Erosion of this layer reduces the land productivity.
2. Water logging causes salinity and alkalinity of the soil. Water logged in top layer absorbs nutrients of the soil and reduces its fertility.
3. The growing population has an ever increasing demand for space and thus deforestation occurs which causes soil erosion and reduces soil fertility.
4. The practice of shifting cultivation by small farmers and marginal farmers result in soil being eroded of nutrients.
5. Extensive use of fertilizers have contributed to reduction of soil fertility and quality
6. Due to the overgrazing of livestock in grasslands, it is slowly turning into desert.