Explain various factors which cause the degradation of natural resources.

(N/A) The degradation of natural resources occurs not only due to the action of pollutants but also because of improper resource utilization practices.
$1$. Soil erosion and desertification: Soil erosion and desertification are major problems today,particularly due to increased urbanization.
The development of fertile topsoil takes centuries,but it can be removed easily due to human activities like over-cultivation,unrestricted grazing,deforestation,and poor irrigation practices.
Such activities,when prolonged over a long period,create deserts.
$2$. Waterlogging and soil salinity: Waterlogging and soil salinity are other causes of resource degradation.
Irrigation without proper drainage leads to waterlogging in the soil.
Waterlogging draws salts to the surface of the soil.
The salt is deposited as a thin crust on the land surface or collects at the roots of the plants.
This increased salt concentration is harmful to crop growth and is extremely damaging to agriculture.
Both these problems,i.e.,waterlogging and soil salinity,have emerged in the wake of the Green Revolution.