Numerous natural stress factors, including erosion and soil-borne pests, have an impact on soil quality. The greatest impact on soil quality, however, comes from agricultural practices used in food production. Agricultural practices vary according to the climate, the crops produced, the level of technology adoption and the amount of arable land available for food production, but almost always aim to get the best possible yield.
Agriculture is under intense pressure to increase production. The available fertile farmland per person in 2050 is predicted to be less than a third of that in 1950. But soil erosion and water quality compromise its productivity