Do we really want to rule out a technology that could help to preserve forests and biodiversity, and reduce nitrate pollution and soil degradation?

Water pollution, air pollution, and soil degradation pose enormous threat to ecosystems and human health.

Soil degradation may also be viewed as any change or disturbance to the soil perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.

Practicing this style of intensive agriculture with short periods of soil rest leads to soil degradation and desertification.

Rice yields are about 2.8 tons per hectare, about half that in most countries, with soil degradation, lack of fertilizers, and limited mechanization blamed.