Desertification

Definition

Desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions, caused by a combination of climate variation and human activity. FAO's soils portal describes it as land degradation in dryland areas, or a change so severe that the land can no longer be recovered for its original use. It does not simply mean existing deserts are expanding like a tide; working land is pushed into a barren state. Degraded soil is one of its main ingredients. See also: Erosion, Salinity, Compaction, and the guide "What Soil Degradation Is, What Causes It and Why It Matters".