The data presents the five main causes of land degradation and their respective percentages of impact on three regions during the 1990s. It is evident that the three primary causes have a close relationship in terms of their impact.
The leading cause of land degradation is overgrazing, accounting for 35% overall. By region, in Europe, overgrazing contributes to 5.5 out of 23% of land degradation. In North America, it makes up 1.5 out of 5%. While overgrazing ranks second in Europe and North America as a major factor in land deterioration, it takes the top position in Oceania, accounting for 11.3 out of 13%.
Overcultivation is the least prevalent among the three main causes leading to a decline in land fertility. In Europe, overcultivation ranks second with 7.7%. In North America, it is the primary reason for land degradation, making up 3.3 out of 5%. Interestingly, overcultivation holds the third spot in Oceania, not impacting the soil at all (0%).
When it comes to deforestation, it is the primary cause only in Europe, representing 9.8% of land degradation. In Oceania, deforestation ranks second with 1.7%, and in North America, it is third with 0.2%.
In conclusion, each region has its own primary driver of soil deterioration. Despite this, overgrazing emerges as the most prevalent cause, particularly affecting Europe with the largest percentage of degraded soil.