Land Degradation

Land and soil face several problems other than pollution. These are deforestation, erosion, flooding and water logging, salination and ill planned urban encroachment.

Soil erosion.
Soil is eroded by water, wind, ocean, waves and glaciers. Over-grazing, over-cropping and deforestation also accelerate soil erosion. Floods are caused by soil erosion which, in turn, causes floods. In north and north eastern regions soil erosion is a serious problem.

Shifting cultivation.
In tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Oceania tribal communities practice slash and burn agriculture which involves cutting down trees, setting them on fire and raising crops on ash called 'Jhuming'. This process degrades forest and disturbs soil stability.

Desertification.
It can result from various causes like erosion of top soil, shifting of sand dunes by wind and over-grazing in lands covered by grass. Most of the deserts in world are man-made.