ABSTRACT
Increase in world population, conversion of arable land to nonagricultural uses, and soil degradation and desertification are causing a rapid decline in per capita land area. The significance of dependence of food security on soil quality is likely to increase with decrease in per capita land area, increase in extent and severity of soil degradation, and the projected global warming. Decline in soil structure is attributed to reduction in soil organic matter content and the decline in stability of aggregates. Removal of crop residues for use as biofuels, either for direct combustion or for conversion to ethanol, can lead to increased soil erosion risks, increase in susceptibility to crusting and compaction, and depletion of plant nutrients. Eating food is an agricultural act, and soil is the foundation on which agriculture is practiced. Humanity is at the crossroads as far as the global issues of food insecurity, climate disruption, and soil and environmental degradation are concerned.
