One of the reasons of the reduction of agricultural land is the degradation of soil processes. The main negative processes occurring in soils and leading to their degradation are erosion (water and wind), reduction of humus content in the soil. A significant spread of negative processes developing due to the action of natural and anthropogenic factors leads to a critical decrease in soil fertility. By washing away the upper fertile soil layer and the formation of large gullies due to improper tillage, soil erosion is formed. In order to prevent soil erosion, it is necessary to take measures to prevent an increase in the area of degraded land. The article considers the impact of negative processes, such as water and wind erosion, salinization, overwetting, flooding and waterlogging of soils, etc. on the land fund.