Recent studies indicate that Pakistan is mainly a dryland country, with 80% of its territory classified as arid and semi-arid, 12% as sub-humid, and only 8% as humid. Soils in arid and semi-arid areas are particularly prone to various degradation processes. Similar to other regions in south-central and southern Asia, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, which of the following factors are primary contributors to soil degradation and desertification in these climates?

Show Answers

Water scarcity stressIncreased erosion and soil salinityLoss of soil nutrients and organic matterAll of these factors combinedNone of the above

Explanation

Dry and semi-dry regions face multiple challenges that lead to soil degradation. These include drought-induced stress, intensified erosion processes, accumulation of salts in the soil (salinization), as well as the reduction of soil fertility and soil organic matter (SOM). Together, these factors contribute significantly to desertification, making option D the correct choice.