WHAT IS SOIL DEGRADATION

Soil degradation refers to decline in the soil’s productivity through

adverse changes in nutrient status, soil organic matter, structural
attributes, and concentrations of electrolytes and toxic chemicals.
Soil degradation is a process, which lowers the current and/or future
capacity of the soil to produce goods or services. It has also been
defined as the rate of adverse change in soil qualities resulting in
decline in productive capacity of land due to processes induced
mainly by human intervention. Thus, it implies a decline in soil’s
productivity, deterioration in vegetative cover, qualitative and
quantitative decline of water resources, degradation of soils, and
pollution of air. Degradation is a point of evolution which leads to a
reduction of resource potential. About 7.40 m ha arable lands
globally turn to degraded lands yearly as result of climate change and
deforestation. The problem of soil degradation has been ever since
cultivation of soils started. However, it is greatly aggravated in recent
decades because of increasing population of India at the rate of
about 1.8%, requiring marginal areas to be brought under the plough
to meet the growing food demand. Such marginal soils are
particularly vulnerable to degradation, further lowering their quality
and overall productivity. The present paper provides a brief account
of degraded and wastelands, causes, major threats, and
management options for combating soil degradation in India.

WHAT DOES HEALTHY SOIL LOOK LIKE?

There are many types of soil around the world. The UK alone has
over 700 varieties, such as clay, sand, silt, loam and peat. These soils
have different characteristics which can be useful for humans.
Healthy soil has a good combination of soil structure, chemistry,
organic matter content, biology and water permeation for its type. A
typically healthy soil will be teeming with biodiversity and may
include a variety of earthworms, 20-30 types of small arachnids, 50-
100 species of insects, hundreds of different fungi and thousands of
bacteria species. 'There are some things in soils which will be visible
to the naked eye, like invertebrates and plant roots,' explains Silvia.
'But there are also millions of things people won't be able to see like
micro-organisms and all the fascinating work they do together.'
Nowhere else in the world is nature so densely packed. A teaspoon
of soil can contain more organisms than there are humans living on
Earth.

A type of mycorrhizal fungi forming a symbiotic relationship with a

plant root. These fungi help plants absorb hard-to-get soil nutrients,
such as phosphorus in exchange for sugar. Mycorrhizal fungi are
ubiquitous on land, but are being destroyed by farming practices
such as tilling and use of chemicals. Research on mycorrhizal fungi is
increasingly important and could be a viable solution for sustainable
agriculture. One of the most widespread soils in Britain is brown
earth, which covers about 45% of land in England and Wales. Brown
earth has a deep top layer where most of the nutrients are and
biological activities take place. At around 20 centimetres deep, it
provides a lot of space and encouragement for roots to grow
comfortably. Brown earth also drains water at a moderate rate,
which allows plants to absorb enough water without drying out or
flooding. These qualities make brown earth well-suited for
agriculture, and most British farms depend on it.

STUDY ON: BUNDELKHAND, INDIA

INTRODUCTION
Bundelkhand, a region in central India encompassing parts of Uttar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is plagued by severe soil degradation,
particularly soil erosion and exhaustion. The region's arid and semi-
arid climate, coupled with various human activities, has resulted in a
decline in agricultural productivity and posed significant challenges
to the livelihoods of local communities. However, a concerted effort
combining the wisdom of local communities and the support of
diverse institutions has been underway to create solutions aimed at
controlling soil degradation and revitalizing the health of the soil.
Bundelkhand is characterized by a range of factors that contribute to
soil erosion and exhaustion. Rampant deforestation, driven by
various factors such as timber extraction and agricultural expansion,
has stripped the region of its protective vegetation cover. The
removal of trees and plants, which play a crucial role in anchoring
the soil and reducing the impact of rainfall, has left the soil
vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Unsustainable agricultural
practices prevalent in Bundelkhand further exacerbate soil
degradation. The widespread adoption of practices such as
monocropping, excessive tilling, and improper irrigation techniques
has led to the depletion of soil nutrients, erosion, and loss of soil
structure. These practices have contributed to a decline in soil
fertility and compromised the long-term sustainability of agricultural
production. Furthermore, the region frequently experiences
droughts, and the lack of comprehensive water conservation
measures exacerbates soil degradation. Insufficient water retention
in the soil leads to increased vulnerability to erosion and reduces the
overall moisture content necessary for maintaining healthy soil
conditions. Overgrazing by livestock has also played a significant role
in soil degradation in Bundelkhand. Unregulated grazing practices
have led to the overexploitation of vegetation, removing the
protective cover that shields the soil from erosion, particularly during
periods of heavy rainfall. Despite these challenges, the local
communities in Bundelkhand have displayed remarkable resilience
and developed indigenous knowledge and practices to cope with soil
degradation. The wisdom passed down through generations includes
innovative approaches such as agroforestry, which involves
interplanting trees and crops to improve moisture retention, reduce
erosion, enhance soil fertility, and provide additional income streams
through timber and fruit production.

CAUSES OF SOIL EROSION AND EXHAUSTION:

1. Deforestation: Rampant deforestation in Bundelkhand has led to
the removal of vegetation cover, leaving the soil exposed to
erosion by wind and water. Trees and plants play a crucial role in
anchoring the soil and reducing the impact of rainfall, but their
removal has exacerbated erosion.
2. Unsustainable agricultural practices: Many farmers in
Bundelkhand practice unsustainable agricultural methods such as
monocropping, excessive tilling, and improper irrigation
techniques. These practices lead to the depletion of soil nutrients,
erosion, and loss of soil structure.
3. Lack of water conservation measures: Bundelkhand experiences
frequent droughts, and the lack of proper water conservation
measures exacerbates soil degradation. Insufficient water
retention in the soil leads to increased vulnerability to erosion and
reduces the overall moisture content necessary for healthy soil.
4. Overgrazing: Unregulated grazing by livestock has resulted in
overgrazing of vegetation in Bundelkhand. This removes the
protective cover of the soil and exposes it to erosion, especially
during periods of heavy rainfall.

WISDOM OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES:

The local communities in Bundelkhand have developed indigenous
knowledge and practices to cope with the challenges of soil
degradation. These practices include:

1. Agroforestry: Farmers in Bundelkhand have adopted agroforestry

practices, planting trees and crops together. This not only helps in
retaining moisture but also reduces erosion, improves soil fertility,
and provides additional income through the sale of timber and
fruits.
2. Watershed management: Local communities have implemented
watershed management techniques such as constructing check
dams, contour bunding, and recharging groundwater. These
measures help in retaining rainwater, improving soil moisture, and
reducing erosion.
3. Organic farming: Some farmers have shifted towards organic
farming practices, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. Organic farming improves soil health, enhances
nutrient retention, and reduces erosion.

SUPPORT FROM INSTITUTIONS:

Several institutions have recognized the severity of soil degradation
in Bundelkhand and have initiated programs to address the issue.
Some notable efforts include:

1. Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training

Institute (CSWCRTI): The CSWCRTI conducts research on soil and
water conservation techniques and provides training to farmers
and extension workers. They promote the adoption of sustainable
farming practices and facilitate the implementation of watershed
management projects.
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD):
NABARD provides financial assistance and support to farmers and
community-based organizations for implementing soil
conservation projects. They also promote sustainable agricultural
practices through their various loan and subsidy programs.
3. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Several NGOs, such as
the Bundelkhand Sewa Sansthan and Ekta Parishad, are actively
involved in raising awareness about soil degradation and
implementing community-led interventions. They organize
training programs, capacity-building workshops, and promote
sustainable agricultural practices.

CURE AND RESTORATION EFFORTS:

The combined efforts of local communities and supporting
institutions have shown promising results in addressing soil
degradation in Bundelkhand. Some successful initiatives include:

1. Afforestation drives: Large-scale afforestation drives have been

undertaken to restore vegetation cover and combat soil erosion.
Native tree species, well-suited to the region's climate, are
planted to stabilize the soil, enhance water retention, and prevent
erosion.
2. Soil conservation techniques: Adoption of soil conservation
techniques like contour plowing, contour bunding, and terracing
helps to slow down water flow, minimize erosion, and conserve
soil moisture.
3. Soil health management: Training programs and extension
services emphasize soil health management practices, including
organic farming, composting, and integrated nutrient
management. These practices improve soil fertility, enhance
nutrient retention, and reduce the dependency on chemical
inputs.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the region of Bundelkhand in central India has faced
significant challenges due to soil erosion and exhaustion, resulting in
a decline in agricultural productivity and posing threats to the
livelihoods of local communities. Factors such as deforestation,
unsustainable agricultural practices, water scarcity, and overgrazing
have contributed to the degradation of the soil. However, the
wisdom of local communities and the support of various institutions
have played a vital role in addressing these issues and working
towards solutions. Indigenous knowledge and practices, including
agroforestry, watershed management, and organic farming, have
been adopted by local farmers to restore the health of the soil and
improve agricultural sustainability. Institutions such as the Central
Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute
(CSWCRTI), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), and NGOs have provided crucial support through
research, training, financial assistance, and awareness campaigns.
These collective efforts have started to yield positive results,
including the rejuvenation of vegetation cover, the adoption of
sustainable farming practices, and the enhancement of soil health.
However, it is essential to sustain these efforts and ensure long-term
soil conservation in Bundelkhand. Ongoing awareness programs,
policy support, and community engagement are vital for promoting
sustainable land management practices and preserving the region's
natural resources. By harnessing the wisdom of local communities,
supporting institutions, and a collaborative approach, Bundelkhand
can overcome the challenges of soil degradation, restore the health
of its soil, and secure a sustainable future for its agricultural sector
and the well-being of its inhabitants.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.fao.org

www.worldbank.org

www.iwmi.cgiar.org

www.cswcrtiweb.org

www.nabard.org

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/

https://www.researchgate.net