Intensive farming practices lead to significant soil degradation and loss of nutrients.
Land use changes from natural to agricultural areas can affect soil properties. A study in Turkey looked at soil properties in fields cultivated for 5 and 20 years compared to native grasslands. They found that soil pH was the most stable property, while organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients decreased with cultivation. Soil texture also changed, with clay and silt decreasing and sand increasing. The spatial variability of these properties was analyzed, showing that cultivated fields had more consistent soil properties compared to native grasslands. The study suggests that intensive cultivation practices can significantly alter soil properties over time.