Indicators

Descriptions

Associated Evaluation Criteria

Soil Erosion

Loss of soil due to strong winds (wind erosion) and rainfall (water erosion)

Topography, soil texture, permeability, depth of the arable layer, root abundance, bioindicator plants

Decreased Fertility

Reduction in soil quality in terms of nutrients, affecting agricultural yields

Agricultural yield, plant growth, soil texture, bioindicator plants, permeability, root abundance, soil fauna, duration of use

Biodiversity Decline

Loss of variety in plant and animal species due to soil degradation

Soil fauna, root abundance, duration of use, bioindicator plants

Loss of Vegetative Cover

Decrease in vegetation that protects soils from erosion and conserves moisture

Bioindicator plants, root abundance, plant growth, soil texture, bioindicator plants, soil fauna

Desertification

Process of land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas. often related to a combination of factors

Bioindicator plants, root abundance, depth of the arable layer, soil fauna