Agricultural soil degradation in Australia

Australia is the fifth largest country by size, and one of the most arid in the world. Agriculture is one of the key sectors in terms of spatial extent and economic relevance. However, because of their ancient and weathered nature, Australian agricultural soils are particularly susceptible to degradation processes such as erosion, compaction, salinization, acidification, and contamination, which ultimately lead to fertility loss, desertification, and thus decline in agricultural production and food security. Agricultural systems are under further pressure due to the rapidly intensifying threat of climate change. Consequently, protecting, maintaining, and restoring healthy soils is a significant challenge and one of the key national priorities. In this chapter, we review the major climatic, anthropogenic, and biotic drivers of agricultural land degradation in Australia, illustrating the impacts of these processes on agricultural production, discussing implications for soils and land sustainability in a global change context and outlining potential mitigation strategies. We conclude by highlighting current policies in place to resolve the challenges of agricultural land degradation in the Australian continent, with emphasis on the importance of concerted and collaborative effort involving government, business, and civil society sectors to address them effectively.