What factors/conditions will have to be considered to restore a degraded soil in desertified areas of the tropics that were deforested and managed with slash and burn cultivation, prior of being abandoned? What restoration practices can be suggested to restore these soils and how long will it take to bring them back to a healthy condition capable of sustaining agronomic crops?
Prior to soil restoration practices, it is essential to check the current soil health status of the soil. With the relevant information we can chose the restoration practices such as, organic farming techniques, green manuring/green leaf manuring using locally available materials are advisable. If it is identified as a problematic soils based on the soil health status, then the other methods such as bioremeditation/phytoremediation has to be done for soil reclamation.
Basically, the extent of degradation needs to be assessed and the cost & effort required for its restoration. Only if the costs are reasonable & and there is possibility to bring the land to productive use should the investment be made.
Please elaborate the nature and extent of soil degradation.Without such knowledge it would not be wise to suggest any ameliorative measure.
But at least we can say, that sufficient microbiological activity, humidity and wether disturbing extreme alkaline, nore saline, no highly acid pH, and no extreme compacting should be pevailing. If these conditions are within reasonale limits, it depends on the available financel capital, and the expected return from restored soil. However time factor is as important as money. Over decades or centuries a disturbed soil may heal witout intervention. Natural rain water will wash out some of the disturbing factors.
Please, I agree with Dilip Kumar Pal. You need to specify first of all what kind of degradation occurs: chemical, physical or biological degradation.
I would say:"All of the above" as chemical, physical or biological soil characteristics are so strongly intertwined. As soon as one shifts away from a balance condition and soon the other two will also lose balance, in a cascading-type of effect.
Climate and Soil Microorganism/or allow degraded soil to exists for longer period without any anthropocentric activities.
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