An increasing number of soil scientists are citing soil erosion as a significant threat to health, so let’s explore this issue.
Image Credit
The causes of soil erosion
Desertification and soil erosion are two primary causative factors in the degradation of land that is affecting communities across the globe. Although soil erosion is a natural phenomenon, there are a variety of anthropogenic causes that are accelerating erosion at an alarming pace.
Alongside the construction of roads, quarrying, urbanisation and population increases, construction activities, deforestation, vegetation removal and overgrazing are placing significant pressure on land resources and taking a toll on our soil.
Soil erosion and food security
As an article in the Guardian highlights, food security is now an alarmingly pressing issue. As soil fertility decreases, food security is severely affected. A reduction in cultivable land is also becoming an increasing concern and significant measures will need to be put in place to both protect and restore important land resources.
Proper flood mitigation solutions and soil remediation services are just two things that will need to be properly implemented over the coming years to ensure that food security is not impacted further.
Soil remediation services
The effects of climate change are far-reaching and are impacting every country. In addition to taking steps to prevent future environmental damage, developing ways to reverse existing damage is essential.
Healthy soil is key in growing vegetation and is an important contributor to healthy groundwater and air. Soil remediation uses a variety of processes and techniques to decontaminate soil and return it to its baseline level. Experienced teams have the skillset and experience to deliver comprehensive services that will effectively restore the integrity of the soil in accordance with the needs of each site. Land resources with the conditions to support naturally occurring micro-organisms may also benefit from bioremediation, which encourages these micro-organisms to degrade organic soil contaminants to establish a more stable environment.
Looking to the future
The agricultural sector has seen marked gains in recent years. For these achievements to be sustained, the restoration of degraded land resources will need to be completed within the next decade.
Scientists are suggesting that governments should establish dedicated soil remediation funds and that strict policies should be implemented to protect land resources, mitigate the effects of climate change, and strive for positive future growth within the agricultural sector.
