Soil isn't Sexy, page-5

It is an interesting topic. Especially in regard to developing countries, where I recall a pattern (oversimplified). Traditional, more sustainable agriculture moves to cash crops. Land nutrient loss follows. Profits from cash crops used to pay for fertilisers to maintain production. All leading to a gradual decline of land and also forcing the land owners to use more and more land for production.
I recall that the fertilisers often come from more developed nations. This is my memory from about 20 years ago.