Soil degradation in the island of Sardinia (italy): a state-of-the-art

Soil degradation may be considered as the loss of soil or soil quality for specific functions. Consequently, soil degradation is strongly affecting soil ecosystem services as well. The characteristic of the geography of Sardinia and its pronounced Mediterranean climate result in the island soil’s being notably fragile and extremely sensitive to degradation. The findings of the studies carried out in Sardinia have shown that, although some degradation processes may occur naturally, anthropogenic factors are the leading cause of soil degradation in the island. Various types of human activities may lead to soil degradation. Three main groups are identified: i) agriculture, pastoral and forestry activities, ii) industrial activities, and iii) urbanization. The above-mentioned factors trigger physical, chemical, and biological soil degradation processes. These processes are mostly intimately linked and interact among themselves. This situation is created by a generalized lack of knowledge on the soil, its ecological value, its several functions, also as a consequence of the subject not being sufficiently addressed in education programmes at all levels. Therefore, land planning at different levels is considered to be the key issue in the prevention and mitigation of soil degradation on the island of Sardinia. For this purpose, the planning process must be based on an accurate inventory of the natural resources, including soil, land evaluation and definition of alternative and suitable uses.