Soil degradation refers to the decline in soil quality and productivity due to erosion, compaction, loss of organic matter, contamination, salinization, or nutrient depletion. Healthy soil is essential for agriculture, ecosystem function, water filtration, and carbon storage. Degradation results from unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, construction activity, and contamination from industrial or waste sources. Preventing soil degradation involves practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and protecting soil from erosion. Contaminated soils may require remediation before redevelopment. Municipal planning considers soil protection in agricultural land preservation and environmental review of developments. Agriculture Canada and provincial agriculture ministries support soil conservation programs and research.