Land degradation, stemming from both natural and anthropogenic factors, poses a significant threat to global agriculture, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. This review explores the multifaceted dimensions of land degradation, its impact on crop productivity, and the diverse processes leading to its occurrence. The intricate interplay of physical, chemical, biological, and ecological factors contributing to the degradation of fertile topsoil is discussed, emphasizing the consequences of unfavourable alterations in soil chemistry and reduced microbial activity. The review assesses the extensive global economic ramifications of soil erosion, compaction, and nutrient depletion. Furthermore, it delineates the methodologies employed for the estimation of degraded land, utilizing both ground-based measurements and remote sensing techniques. The classification system for land degradation is presented, encompassing diverse degradation types, degrees, and units. The causes of land degradation, predominantly attributed to anthropogenic activities, are explored, with a focus on agricultural intensification and poor land management practices. To address this global challenge, the review comprehensively examines the processes and techniques involved in land restoration, encompassing organic carbon pool enhancement, peat land restoration, cultivation methods, and the addition of chemical or organic amendments. The complexities of land degradation demand a holistic understanding and the implementation of sustainable strategies for land restoration to ensure food security and environmental equilibrium.

Keywords: Land Degradation, land information system (LIS), climate change, remote sensing, desertification, crop productivity, anthropogenic causes.