The article by David R. Montgomery, "Soil Erosion and Agricultural Sustainability," discusses the significant impact of soil erosion on agricultural sustainability. The author highlights that erosion rates in conventionally plowed agricultural fields are 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than those under native vegetation and long-term geological erosion. This disparity indicates that conventional agriculture increases erosion rates to the point of unsustainability, while natural systems evolve to balance erosion and soil production. Montgomery reviews historical and archaeological evidence of soil erosion's role in the decline of civilizations, emphasizing that deforestation and agricultural practices are both responsible. He critiques the universal soil loss equation, which is often used to estimate anthropogenic increases in soil erosion, noting its limitations and potential biases. The article presents a global compilation of data on soil erosion rates, showing that cultivated fields generally erode at rates typical of alpine terrain. In contrast, no-till agriculture reduces erosion rates to levels closer to soil production rates, suggesting a more sustainable approach. Direct comparisons of erosion rates under native vegetation and conventional agriculture reveal a 10- to 100-fold increase in erosion under conventional practices. Montgomery argues that the imbalance between agricultural soil loss and erosion is a critical issue for global agricultural sustainability, especially with projected population growth. He concludes that maintaining soil health and agricultural productivity requires adopting sustainable agricultural methods to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce soil erosion.The article by David R. Montgomery, "Soil Erosion and Agricultural Sustainability," discusses the significant impact of soil erosion on agricultural sustainability. The author highlights that erosion rates in conventionally plowed agricultural fields are 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than those under native vegetation and long-term geological erosion. This disparity indicates that conventional agriculture increases erosion rates to the point of unsustainability, while natural systems evolve to balance erosion and soil production. Montgomery reviews historical and archaeological evidence of soil erosion's role in the decline of civilizations, emphasizing that deforestation and agricultural practices are both responsible. He critiques the universal soil loss equation, which is often used to estimate anthropogenic increases in soil erosion, noting its limitations and potential biases. The article presents a global compilation of data on soil erosion rates, showing that cultivated fields generally erode at rates typical of alpine terrain. In contrast, no-till agriculture reduces erosion rates to levels closer to soil production rates, suggesting a more sustainable approach. Direct comparisons of erosion rates under native vegetation and conventional agriculture reveal a 10- to 100-fold increase in erosion under conventional practices. Montgomery argues that the imbalance between agricultural soil loss and erosion is a critical issue for global agricultural sustainability, especially with projected population growth. He concludes that maintaining soil health and agricultural productivity requires adopting sustainable agricultural methods to prevent nutrient depletion and reduce soil erosion.