Agricultural soil and sustainability: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Soil, the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, plays a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth. However, various anthropogenic activities have led to soil degradation, threatening its ability to support agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. This article provides an overview of the challenges facing soils in the context of sustainability. It discusses the impacts of factors such as land use change, deforestation, industrial agriculture, urbanization, pollution, and climate change on soil health. Furthermore, it explores sustainable soil management practices and their potential to mitigate soil degradation while promoting long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of adopting holistic approaches that integrate scientific knowledge, technological innovations, and socio-economic considerations to safeguard soil resources for future generations.