Because soil is used for so many purposes, including agriculture, forestry, construction, landscaping, waste disposal, and habitat for organisms, good soils are closely tied to food security as they provide the foundation for agricultural productivity, crop yield, and global food production. Healthy soils support diverse plant communities, nutrient cycling, water retention, and soil fertility, which are essential for sustaining crop growth, livelihoods, and food systems worldwide. There are at least five reasons that destroy soils: salinization, desertification, erosion, contamination, and urbanization. 

Salinization refers to the accumulation of soluble salts in the soil profile, typically due to irrigation practices, waterlogging, or natural processes. This buildup of salts can lead to soil degradation, reduced plant growth, and loss of agricultural productivity, posing a threat to food security and livelihoods in affected areas.

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid, degraded, and unable to support vegetation, often because of human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, poor land management, and climate change. Desertification threatens soil productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, exacerbating land degradation and food insecurity in vulnerable regions.

Erosion is the removal and transport of soil particles by wind, water, ice, or gravity, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced soil productivity, and environmental degradation. Soil erosion can occur naturally or because of human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, improper land use, and urbanization, posing risks to agricultural sustainability, water quality, and ecosystem health.

Contamination refers to the introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the soil, typically through industrial activities, mining, agriculture, waste disposal, or chemical spills. Soil contamination can degrade soil quality, impair plant growth, and pose risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems, highlighting the importance of soil conservation and pollution prevention measures. 

Urbanization is the process of urban growth and expansion, leading to the conversion of natural landscapes and agricultural land into urban areas, infrastructure, and built environments. Urbanization alters soil properties, land use patterns, and ecosystem functions, contributing to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and fragmentation of habitats, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.