Chapter 8 - Consequences of land-use changes for soil quality and function, with a focus on the EU and Latin America

Abstract

Unequivocally, scientists emphasize that human activity rather than natural forces is responsible for the modification of the global environment. Land-management practices have modified landscapes throughout the world, impacting the diversity of plants, animals, and microbes, as well as soil quality and ecosystem services. Agriculture, forestry, and associated management practices such as tillage, grazing, and afforestation affect the cycling of nutrients, carbon stocks, and biodiversity. Population increase and development are the drivers for the pressure on land use; more food is needed for a growing population; despite advances in biotechnology, mechanization, and inputs, the land area on which it is grown remains the same; and continued intensive land use has direct effects on soil quality. On the other hand, land changes have direct effects on water storage, soil carbon, degradation, biodiversity, and ecosystem behavior. It is the scientists’ task to provide support for policy decisions about land uses, which should take into consideration both human needs and the response of the ecosystem.