Desertification land degradation – UGC NET Question

Desertification refers to land degradation in drylands resulting from both climatic variations and human activities. It leads to reduced biological productivity,loss of vegetation and expansion of barren lands. The stem mentions fertile land becoming degraded and barren in arid and semi arid regions,which corresponds exactly to desertification. Therefore desertification is the correct answer.

Option A:
Desertification is recognised as a major global environmental issue and is addressed under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. By undermining livelihoods,it also contributes to poverty and migration. These features reinforce why it matches the description given.

Option B:
Salinisation occurs when soluble salts accumulate in the soil,usually due to improper irrigation practices. While salinity can contribute to desert like conditions,it is only one specific form of land degradation and does not cover the broader process described.

Option C:
Waterlogging results from excessive accumulation of water in the root zone,which can suffocate plants. It is more commonly associated with high rainfall or poorly drained irrigated areas rather than general dryland degradation.

Option D:
Urbanisation is the growth of towns and cities and changes in population distribution. Although it can increase pressure on land,it is a demographic and settlement process,not the gradual transformation of drylands into barren areas described in the stem.