Overgrazed: meaning, definitions and examples
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overgrazed
[ ˌoʊvərˈɡreɪzd ]
environmental impact
Overgrazed refers to land that has been subjected to excessive grazing by livestock, leading to damage of the vegetation and soil. This condition can result in soil erosion, reduced plant biodiversity, and diminished land productivity. When an area is overgrazed, the natural balance of the ecosystem is disrupted, often resulting in long-term ecological challenges. Effective management strategies are vital to restore overgrazed lands to their original health.
Synonyms
degraded, exploited, overutilized.
Examples of usage
- The overgrazed pasture struggled to recover.
- Farmers need to monitor their herds to prevent overgrazed landscapes.
- The report highlighted the problems caused by overgrazed environments.
- Restoration efforts are essential in overgrazed regions.
Translations
Translations of the word "overgrazed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sobrepastejado
🇮🇳 अधिक चराई किया हुआ
🇩🇪 überweidet
🇮🇩 terlalu digembalakan
🇺🇦 перегороджений
🇵🇱 nadmiernie wypasany
🇯🇵 過放牧の
🇫🇷 surexploité
🇪🇸 sobrepastoreado
🇹🇷 aşırı otlatılmış
🇰🇷 과도하게 방목된
🇸🇦 مُرَاعَة زَائِدَة
🇨🇿 přepásaný
🇸🇰 nadmerne pasený
🇨🇳 过度放牧的
🇸🇮 pretirano pašo
🇮🇸 ofgenginn
🇰🇿 артық жайылым
🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებული საძოვარი
🇦🇿 həddindən artıq otlaq
🇲🇽 sobrepastoreado
Etymology
The term 'overgrazed' is a compound adjective formed from the prefix 'over-', meaning excessive or beyond normal limits, and the verb 'graze', which comes from the Old English word 'grāsan', meaning to feed on growing grass or herbage. The use of the term emerged prominently in agricultural and environmental discussions during the 19th century, as livestock farming expanded and its environmental impacts became more apparent. Initially, overgrazing was noted in localized regions where livestock were allowed free range, lower grass growth leading to concerns over sustainable land management and soil conservation. As environmental awareness grew in the late 20th century, the consequences of overgrazing gained traction in academic and policy discussions related to land use, ecology, and conservation efforts. Today, it encompasses a significant concern among ecologists and farmers, highlighting the necessity of sustainable practices in agriculture to prevent future ecological degradation.