Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered global agricultural systems, creating cascading effects on soil health and food security worldwide. This critical review examines the multifaceted impacts of pandemic-related disruptions on soil management practices, agricultural productivity, and food distribution systems. Through systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature and empirical data from 2020-2024, we assessed changes in soil quality parameters, fertilizer usage patterns, and food security indicators across different geographical regions. Our findings reveal significant deterioration in soil health metrics, with organic matter content declining by 12-18% in regions experiencing severe agricultural labor shortages. Simultaneously, global food insecurity increased by 23% during 2020-2022, with smallholder farmers disproportionately affected. The pandemic intensified existing vulnerabilities in agricultural systems while highlighting critical interdependencies between soil health, farming practices, and food security. Recovery strategies emphasizing sustainable soil management and resilient food systems are essential for post-pandemic agricultural rehabilitation. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to address long-term challenges in soil conservation and food security enhancement.