The Main Causes of Agricultural Soil Degradation

A few major causes behind the degradation of agro-pastoral soils in Cameroon, in Africa, and around the world.

1) Natural causes

Heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall causing soil leaching is behind the flash effect that leads to soil saturation, with water rising back up due to the soil absorbing excessive amounts of water.

Wind

Very strong winds are behind soil breakdown, leading to soil dehydration; the soil dries out and cracks.

2) Human-caused factors

Deforestation

Deforestation exposes the soil to the harmful effects of heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and wind. This leads to leaching, stripping away of the soil's nutrient-rich layers, and drying and cracking of the soil.

Pollution

The dumping of plastic waste leads to soil compaction, making it infertile.

Livestock trampling

Livestock trampling increases the soil's bulk density, making it impermeable and compact.

Poor farming practices

The use of mineral fertilizers, excessive tilling, poor crop mixing, and even poor mixing of animal species deplete the soil. All these factors contribute to the progressive degradation of the soil, not only in terms of nutrients but also by altering its texture and structure. It is our duty to apply certain methods that help maintain soil fertility sustainably.