Final answer:
The main concern of the ongoing degradation of agricultural land is the loss of productive capacity due to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, soil salinization, and various other forms of soil degradation, impacting food security and environmental health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main consequence and concern due to ongoing degradation of agricultural land is the progressive breakdown of the productive capacity of these lands. Agricultural production expanded dramatically in the past due to increases in crop yields, but this was often paired with intensified land degradation. The degradation includes soil erosion, loss of organic matter, disruption of nutrient cycles, soil salinization, and other forms of soil ill health, which threaten the ability of these systems to meet human demands.
Furthermore, soil erosion, desertification, and soil pollution due to modern farming methods and chemicals have led to less fertile lands, reducing the agricultural productivity necessary to feed the growing global population. The impact of degraded land is especially severe for smallholder farmers in developing countries, who face challenges adapting to these conditions with limited resources. Moreover, such degradation contributes to broader environmental issues such as water pollution, resistance of pests to pesticides, and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural land is imperative for food security, environmental health, and economic prosperity.