The soils of South Asia provide food to almost 1.8 billion people but are prone to many sustainability issues. The ever-increasing population has put enormous pressure on the available natural resources (land/soil and water), which is threatening future food security. The fertile farmlands are being encroached by urbanzation. Declining groundwater levels, increasing micronutrient deficiencies, the use of fertile soil for brick making, degrading soil structure, and global warming are serious sustainability issues in South Asia. The extensive production of cereals and conventional soil management practices are increasing soil erosion; depleting soil organic matter, soil fertility, water resources, and increasing salinization. The restoration and management of soil organic matter, rainwater harvesting, and the efficient use of water and sustainable nutrient management are essential to sustain the long-term productivity of agricultural soils. Diversification of monocropping systems and the adoption of conservation agriculture may enhance the sequestration of soil carbon and increase biodiversity. However, site-specific technologies must be identified and made available to farmers. Prime agricultural land must be protected against urban encroachment. Communication and collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers are needed to manage soils for ensuring food security in South Asia. The objective of this review is to deliberate the causes of soil degradation in South Asia and suggest soil management options to reverse the degradation trends and ensure long-term food security in the region.

中文翻译：

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促进南亚粮食安全的可持续土壤管理

南亚的土壤为近 18 亿人提供食物，但容易出现许多可持续性问题。不断增加的人口给可用的自然资源（土地/土壤和水）带来了巨大压力，这威胁着未来的粮食安全。肥沃的农田正在被城市化侵占。地下水位下降、微量营养素缺乏症加剧、使用肥沃的土壤制砖、土壤结构退化和全球变暖是南亚严重的可持续性问题。谷物的粗放生产和传统的土壤管理做法正在加剧土壤侵蚀；消耗土壤有机质、土壤肥力、水资源和加剧盐渍化。土壤有机质的恢复和管理，雨水收集，有效利用水和可持续的养分管理对于维持农业土壤的长期生产力至关重要。单一作物系统的多样化和保护性农业的采用可能会加强土壤碳的固存并增加生物多样性。但是，必须确定特定地点的技术并将其提供给农民。必须保护主要农业用地免受城市侵占。需要科学家、农民和政策制定者之间的沟通与合作来管理土壤以确保南亚的粮食安全。本次审查的目的是审议南亚土壤退化的原因，并提出土壤管理方案以扭转退化趋势并确保该地区的长期粮食安全。