ABSTRACT
Soil system degradation is a chronic and continuing problem that is gravely concerning and global in scope. Land degradation is multifarious with many terms used to characterize it and with multiple contributing factors, including conversion of forests; long-term, continued mismanagement of croplands; wind and water erosion; and loss of soil organic matter. Worldwide, soil degradation has been estimated to contribute to an annual loss of 2% of the globe's terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP). The most extreme form of soil degradation, ranking among the greatest environmental challenges globally, is desertification – “land degradation in arid, semiarid and dry subhumid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities”. The progression in approaches to managing soil systems has been reflected in changing terminology. Soil health recognizes that microbial communities play critical roles in soil systems that are tightly integrated with the physical and chemical processes.
