Global Soil Degradation: A Silent Threat to Agriculture

Soil degradation is a mounting global crisis with direct consequences for food systems, ecosystem health, and climate stability. In Europe alone, over 60% of agricultural soils are classified as degraded due to erosion, compaction, and loss of organic matter—trends strongly linked to intensive farming and monoculture practices. In the UK, 40% of farmland is similarly affected, weakening water retention capacity and increasing vulnerability to both flooding and drought.

Globally, the outlook is even more urgent. Earth.Org reports that the world is losing over 100 million hectares of healthy soil each year, equivalent to four football fields per second. If current degradation continues unchecked, up to 95% of the Earth's land surface could be degraded by 2050. The result is not only reduced agricultural productivity, but also the collapse of key carbon sinks that help stabilize the climate.

Proportion of Degraded Land over Total Land Area in 2019

Predicted Proportion of Degraded Land over Total Land Area in 2050

The expansion of drylands is a stark indicator of this transformation. As of late 2024, drylands now account for more than 40% of Earth's land surface, excluding Antarctica. These regions are characterized by extreme water scarcity: 90% of rainfall in drylands is lost to evaporation, leaving just 10% available for vegetation. This drastically reduces the viability of staple crops and puts vulnerable farming systems under enormous pressure.

“Droughts end. When an area’s climate becomes drier, however, the ability to return to previous conditions is lost. The drier climates now affecting vast lands across the globe will not return to how they were, and this change is redefining life on Earth.”

The human impact of this shift is already visible. Maize yields in Kenya, for example, are projected to fall by 50% by 2050 if current soil and climate trends persist. Globally, two-thirds of land will store less water by mid-century, according to the recent UN-backed assessment. Reduced water availability leads not only to lower yields but to growing dependence on irrigation, increased competition for groundwater, and long-term loss of agricultural viability in semi-arid regions.

Helios Water Stress Map for Coffee in Brazil

The economic cost of soil degradation is estimated at $400 billion annually, driven by lower productivity, rising input use, and land abandonment. The UN has called for a $2.6 trillion global investment by 2030 to reverse land degradation and avoid widespread social and ecological fallout. Without intervention, experts warn that desertification and declining soil function could displace millions and trigger cascading risks for food security and political stability.

Helios plays a critical role in navigating this terrain. By offering water stress mapping, localized weather forecasts, and satellite-based monitoring, the platform helps stakeholders understand where land degradation is intensifying and how to adapt operations accordingly. While technology can’t reverse global degradation alone, it equips users to make better-informed decisions—field by field, season by season.

In conclusion, soil degradation is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Protecting and restoring soil health is essential for ensuring food security, combating climate change, and sustaining the planet's ecosystems. By investing in sustainable practices and technologies, we can safeguard this vital resource for future generations.