Land use change to pineapple cultivation leads to soil degradation.
Land use changes from forest to pineapple cultivation in Sri Lanka's Matara District led to decreased soil health. The study compared soil characteristics in forest and pineapple lands, finding differences in organic matter, pH, aggregate stability, and available phosphorus. The conversion resulted in smaller soil particles and lower aggregate stability, pH, and organic matter. Available phosphorus was highest in old pineapple land, followed by forest land, and lowest in new pineapple land. Bulk density, total nitrogen, and exchangeable potassium were similar in both forest and cultivated lands. Regular monitoring of soil properties is crucial to maintain soil health, improve agricultural productivity, and sustain agro-ecosystems.