Soil degradation is the reduction in soil quality and can either be physical, chemical and biological. It can be inform of loss of organic matter, decline in soil fertility and structural conditions, erosion, changes in salinity, acidity, alkalinity and effects of pollution, continuous flooding and toxic chemicals.
In Malawi, issues of soil degradation have increased and almost 30 to 50% of the land has lost its value. This has increased to this extent due to human practices such as poor farming practices, deforestation, bush fires and overgrazing. All of these causes leads to fertility loss, hence increases soil erosion and food insecurity.
Other causes are flooding, salinity and alkalinity and accumulation of other toxic chemicals.
People need to avoid practices which deteriorate the soil to increase crop production and reduce food insecurity.
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