Desertification

Ecological Implications

• Drifting of sand and its accumulation on fertile agricultural land.
• Excessive soil erosion by wind and to some extent by water.
• Deposition of sand in rivers, lakes and other water bodies thereby decreasing their water containing capacity.
• Lowering of water table leading to acute water shortage.
• Increase in area under wastelands.
• Decrease in agricultural production.
• Increase in frequency and intensity of droughts.

Physical

Soil Degradation

• Soil degradation is the decline in soil quality caused by its improper use, usually for agricultural, pastoral, industrial or urban purposes.
• Soil degradation is a serious global environmental problem and may be exacerbated by climate change. It encompasses ....