Desertification and Health

Desertification is the degeneration of biologically productive land. It is induced by climatic variations and human activities whereby fertile land becomes barren. The cumulative effects of over-cultivation and poor agricultural practices, urban expansion, deforestation, and increasing extreme water events, has affected more than 30% of Earth's land surface.

Soil is a living mass, made of a mixture of ground rock, plant matter, and micro-organisms. It provides nutrients to plants to thrive and in turn depends on the decaying plant material to restore its fertility. Without fertile soil, sustaining the health and wellness of our population and Earth becomes incredibly challenging.

As civilization paves its way, it will meet the limits of prime soil and threaten its ability to produce nutrient rich food, provide food security, and protect our environment.

Sustainable agriculture is vital to preserve the health of our soil, and can reverse land degradation and desertification. This includes practices of more efficient water use, better forest management, honoring heirloom seeds, and whole systems thinking, to promote diversity, stability, and resilience.

Conversations while planting seeds with @the_masa_boy at @cavaleirofarm.

Dr. Cristina Allen, ND