|A degraded upland in Leyte|
|A degraded upland covered with Imperata (cogon) grass in Samar|
|A degraded upland in Bukidnon|
Studies reviewed have shown that the widespread degraded upland soils possess chemical and physical constraints for crop growth like acidic or calcareous pH, low organic matter and nutrient contents, shallow solum, presence of toxic substances and compaction. The major factors that cause soil degradation include deforestation, overgrazing, agricultural practices, industrial activities, mining, and waste disposal. Deforestation is the main cause of soil degradation in Asia and south America while overgrazing is the main factor in the dryland areas of Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia.
|The typical degraded land in Cagayan Valley due to deforestation & overgrazing|
Asio VB, Jahn R, Perez FO, Navarrete IA, and Abit SM Jr. 2009. A review of soil degradation in the Philippines. Annals of Tropical Research 31: 69-94
Note: All photos are owned by the author.