Soil degradation processes and their control in Hungary

Abstract

AbstractSoil degradation is usually a complex process in which several features of soil deterioration can be recognized. Soil degradation may lead to the loss of land or soil; limitations to normal soil functions; decrease of soil fertility and ‘productive capacity’.The main soil degradation process are: (1) soil erosion by water and wind; (2) Development of extreme soil reaction (acidification; salinization/alkalization); (3) physical degradation (structural destruction; compaction; extreme moisture regime); (4) biological degradation; (5) unfavourable changes in the nutrient regime; (6) decrease of buffering capacity (leading to pollution, toxicity).Soil degradation is not an unavoidable consequence of intensive agriculture and social development. Most of the processes and their unfavourable consequences can be controlled, prevented, eliminated, or at least moderated.A rational strategy of efficient soil degradation control should be based on a system involving the following (consecutive) steps: (a) registration of facts and consequences; (b) analysis of reasons, processes, influencing factors and their mechanisms; (c) determination of the theoretical, real, rational and economic possibilities for control; (d) prediction of the potential impacts of these control alternatives; (e) elaboration and extension of technologies for the optimum alternatives.The present status of soil degradation processes in Hungary is briefly summarized in this paper and the possibilities for control are reviewed, with special regard to soil erosion, salinization/alkalization, acidification and physical degradation (compaction, structure destruction). Based on detailed and comprehensive information on soils (thematic maps of various scales; computerized geographical soil information system) the potential future development of various soil degradation processes is forecast and technologies are elaborated and recommended for use in Hungarian agriculture to prevent soil degradation.