Soil deterioration

The nan-agricultural activities of man compete with agriculture for land. The demands on land made by increasing urban, industrial, mining, recreation and other developments, and the attendant infrastructure - largely the result of a fast-growing population - leave an ever-shrinking area for producing food and fibre. Higher yields per unit will be required in future. Land use selection will need to be based strictly on information provided by impact studies which predict the effects that various uses will have on agriculture. A long-term master plan for land use in the R.S.A. is needed.