Assessment of soil degradation in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

In Andhra Pradesh a number of factors, both natural, and human-induced activities have acted on the fragile ecosystems and agricultural-lands to cause increasing problems with progressive degradation of soil productivity. The results of an assessment of soil degradation, three have been found to exert a greater influence, viz accelerated water erosion, chemical and physical deterioration. Approximately 15 Mha (54.4%) of land area in. the state is affected by various soil degradation problems. Water erosion is.the major degradation problem causing loss on top soil and terrain deformation in about 45.5 percent area. Chemical deterioration in the form of loss of nutrients and/ or organic matter and, soil salinization and solidification account for about 2.1 pet cent area. Physical deterioration due to the formation of sealing crusts and compaction, and waterlogging and flooding have affected about 6.8 per cent land area in the state. An estimated area of 11 Mha (35.2%) has been considered to be a stable terrain where human-induced degradation problems are relatively insignificant. About 1.5 Mha (10.4%) was identified as miscellaneous land type (rock outcrops and salt flats) that is not fit for agriculture