What is the main cause of desertification as described in ecological studies?

The main cause of desertification, as highlighted in ecological studies, is human activities that degrade soil and vegetation. This phenomenon primarily occurs due to practices such as deforestation, overgrazing by livestock, unsustainable agricultural methods, and inappropriate land use. These activities can lead to the deterioration of the land's productive capacity, causing soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and a decline in vegetation cover.

When vegetation is stripped away, the soil becomes more susceptible to erosion caused by wind and water, ultimately leading to a shift in the ecosystem towards desert-like conditions. This transformation not only diminishes the land's ability to support flora and fauna but also affects local communities relying on those ecosystems for livelihoods.

In contrast, while overpopulation may contribute indirectly to desertification by increasing the demand for land and resources, it is not the primary driver of the process itself. Natural disasters, though potentially influential in certain contexts, do not account for the sustained and gradual changes associated with desertification. Similarly, industrial pollution can damage ecosystems, but desertification is more directly linked to land management practices rather than pollution.