State indicators

Degraded soils

Soil degradation affects a large number of countries worldwide. In response, many of them are currently collaborating with international agencies specialized in research and assessment of the processes and factors involved in soil degradation and desertification (UNCCD, 2012). In this context, Mexico has conducted several studies on soil degradation and erosion in its territory, which have yielded estimates ranging between 45% and figures ​​close to its entire territory (Semarnat, 2009). For example, Baldwin (1945) estimated that 45% of the country’s area faces degradation issues; the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (SARH, 1965) estimated an affectation of 69%; Andrade (1976) estimated erosion in 80% of land; Estrada and Ortiz (1980), in 98%; Garcia-Lagos (1983) in 71%; and Geissert and Rossignol (1987) estimated that 86% of the territory is affected (all in INEGI-Semarnap, 1998). However, it should be noted that the use of different evaluation methods and limited field work prevent the comparison of the results obtained. Knowledge of the extension and spatial distribution of soil degradation in the country is essential for designing programs for soil restoration, conservation and improvement, as well as for assessing the effects of human activities on this resource (Cotler et al., 2007). The Surface affected by soil degradation has been used in many countries as a state indicator, from different approaches (economic, social and environmental). The System of Indicators of Sustainable Development for Argentina considers the hydric and eolic erosion. The UN includes the area affected by salinization and waterlogging, as well as desertification, in its list of Indicators of Sustainable Development (UN, 2007) and the OECD includes it as an indicator of environmental issues resulting from agriculture (OECD, 2013). FAO and the International Soil Reference and Information Center (ISRI) published the Guiding principles for the quantitative assessment of soil degradation, which summarizes the main characteristics of soil degradation indicators (van Lynde et al., 2004).