PreviousThe GLASOD map and tables provide combinations of the following legend [slide].
• Four degrees of soil degradation
light: The terrain has somewhat reduced agricultural suitability, but is suitable for use in local farming systems. Restoration to full productivity is possible by modifications of the management system. Original biotic functions are still largely intact.
moderate: The terrain has greatly reduced agricultural productivity, but is still suitable for use in local farming systems. Major improvements are required to restore productivity. Original biotic functions are partially destroyed.
strong: The terrain is non-reclaimable at farm level. Major engineering works are required for terrain restoration. Original biotic functions are largely destroyed.
extreme: The terrain is non-reclaimable and beyond restoration. Original biotic functions are fully destroyed.
• Five categories of relative extent
Infrequent (up to 5% Of the map unit affected); common (6 to 10%); frequent (11 to 25%); very frequent (26 to 50%); dominant (over 50%).
• severity of soil degradation
This is indicated by a weighted combination of the degree and the relative extent of the process. [slide]
• recent-past rate of soil degradation
This gives the average rate of human-induced soil degradation
over the last 5-10 years, in three quantitative categories:
"slow", medium" and "rapid".
• predominant causative factors
Deforestation and removal of the natural vegetation; overgrazing;
agricultural activities (arable farming); overexploitation of
vegetation for domestic use; and big-industrial activities.