Soil Degradation
Loss of soil quality through erosion, compaction, salinization, and organic matter depletion, threatening agricultural sustainability.
Real World
The Aral Sea basin in Central Asia lost over 80% of its water to irrigation diversions, leaving salt-crusted, wind-eroded desert where fertile farmland once existed — a textbook case of salinization and erosion combined.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between degradation types precisely; confusing compaction with erosion in a 'describe' question loses straightforward marks.
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