: the act or an instance of cultivating something excessively especially : the act or practice of cultivating land to an excessive degree in the growing of crops so that soil quality is degraded and productivity is reduced Overcultivation, overgrazing, and massive timber consumption have turned a quarter of China's ...

What does over farming cause?

Over cultivation puts extreme pressure on land. This makes the farm unsustainable for further use which can cause permanent damage to soil fertility. Sometimes, the land becomes infertile to the point of desertification. ... Desertification for longer periods of time can even lead to drought conditions.

What is an example of over farming?

Examples include the clearing of land, preparation of the land, and the actual planting. All these processes entail various activities, including plowing, to enable ease in planting. Nonetheless, the action also leads to loosening of the topsoil, which is the most fertile part of the soil.