Salvation of floors: a global problem

Salvation of floors: a global problem

The salvation of floors is a serious, worldwide problem. It not only affects agricultural areas, but also natural ecosystems and is a central challenge for sustainable land use. In this article we will take a closer look at the topic "Salvation of soils", explain the causes of this form of degradation and discuss possible solutions.

What is soil recall?

definition

The soil recording is a process in which the salinity of the soil increases to a measure that has a negative impact on plant growth. Salts that accumulate in the ground in this process can be mineral, but also organic origin. They are part of the natural fabric circulation and occur in various concentrations in almost all floors. The salt becomes problematic in the ground when its concentration rises so much that it affects plant growth or makes it impossible.

Effects on plants and yields

A high salinity in soil leads to osmotic stress in plants. These can only absorb water if the pressure inside the roots is higher than the pressure on the roots from the outside. Once the salinity has increased in the ground, the so -called osmotic pressure increases. Plants then have to spend more energy in order to extract the necessary water from the ground. If there is too high salt content, the ability to survive the plants or they die completely. This leads to the decrease in biodiversity and biomass and finally reduces agricultural yields.

Causes of the soil recording

natural and antrophic factors

The enrichment of salts in the ground can have both natural and anthropogenic causes.

Natural causes of the soil recording include the ascent of salt-containing groundwater in arids and semi-arid areas, salt deposits from former sea levels or the enrichment of salts from seawater by wind.

anthropogenic causes, on the other hand, are based particularly on agricultural practices. This includes inappropriate irrigation practices, excessive use of fertilizers, design and the use of saladed water for agriculture.

soil reconnection by irrigation in dry areas

In dry and semi -dry areas, irrigation is often necessary to operate productive agriculture. However, if more water is given to the fields than can be absorbed by the plants and released by evaporation, this leads to a reverting of the soils. The result: the groundwater can rise and salt that have been dissolved in the ground or in the groundwater.

extent of the global soil recording

According to the United Nations (FAO) nutritional and agricultural organization, around 20 percent of the irrigated agricultural areas are affected by soil reconnection worldwide. The problem is particularly serious in dry and semi -dry areas of Australia, the USA, India, Pakistan, in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

approaches and strategies against soil reconnection

prevention and monitoring

Prevention is the best remedy for soil recording. It can be achieved through suitable agricultural practices and sustainably oriented water and soil management. Central to this is an adapted irrigation that is tailored to the needs of the plants and allows balancing between the amount of water supplied and the evaporation rate to avoid salt.

An important part of prevention is also early monitoring to record changes in the salinity. In the event of an increasing salt concentration, this can react in good time and a further salvation can be stopped by various measures.

renovation measures

If floors are already salted, various renovation measures are taken. These include desalination of the soil by washing out the salts by means of irrigation, the use of salt-tolerant plant species or the use of the soil for other purposes, such as for renewable energies or for aquaculture.

conclusion

The salvation of floors is a very concrete and far -reaching global problem. It has a significant impact on agriculture and ecosystems, which has negative consequences for food production and biodiversity.

In view of the increasing world population and the increasing need for food and raw materials, the topic of soil recording will continue to become more important. It is therefore important that this problem receives broad public and political attention and that comprehensive efforts are made in order to counteract the problem and to be able to use the soils sustainably.