CHAPTER 11

SOIL AND SOIL EROSION

 I. Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you must be able:
 To identify the different types of erosion.
 To analyze the cause and effect of erosion.
 To appreciate the significance of preserving soil in environment.
 To make a plan on how to reduce the erosion in environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

 There are more microorganisms in a handful of soil than there are people on earth
 It takes 500 years to produce just under an inch of topsoil, this is the most productive
layer of soil.
 It greatly reduces flood risk by storing up to 9200 tonnes of water per acre. In total
that’s about 0.01% of the Earth’s total water.
 Soil is a living system
 Soil acts as a filter for underground water, filtering out pollutants
 Approximately 10% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are stored in soil
 It provides all the nutrients required for successful plant growth.

 Soil consists of 45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air & 5% organic matter
 As already mentioned 50% is air and water, the other 50% is broken rock and
decaying plants and animals
 The amount of sand, clay and silt is what gives different soil types their various
textures. Most soils are a mix of all three.
 Soil has 6 layers called horizons O, A, E, B, C and R. Horizon O is the topsoil and R is
bedrock.
 Worms enrich topsoil by feeding on organic material in the soil and converting it into
nutrients for plants. As they move through the soil it becomes more absorbent and
better aerated too.
 Soil is at the bottom of the food chain, yet it is the cornerstone of life on earth
 READING STRATEGY

SOIL EROSION

What are the physical What are the factors that

process of soil erosion? affects soil erosion?

What are the causes How to prevent soil

Rainfall and Rivers Vegetation Cover
of soil erosion? erosion?
and Streams and Topography

Deforestation Afforestation
Overgrazing Crop Rotation
Agrochemicals Terrace Farming
TERMS TO KNOW
 Afforestation
 Agrochemicals
 Bank Erosion
 Deflation
 Deforestation
 Embankments
 Overgrazing
 Thermal weathering
 Topography
 Vegetative cover

Soil Erosion
SOIL
Soil is the earth’s fragile skin that anchors all life on Earth. It is comprised of countless
species that create a dynamic and complex ecosystem and is among the most precious resources
to humans. Increased demand for agriculture commodities generates incentives to convert forests
and grasslands to farm fields and pastures. The transition to agriculture from natural vegetation
often cannot hold onto the soil and many of these plants, such as coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean
and wheat, can actually increases soil erosion beyond the soil’s ability to maintain itself. ( 2019
World Wildlife Fund)

Half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years. In addition to erosion,
soil quality is affected by other aspects of agriculture. These impacts include compaction, loss of
soil structure, nutrient degradation, and soil salinity. These are very real and at times severe issues.

The effects of soil erosion go beyond the loss of fertile land. It has led to increased pollution
and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways and causing declines in fish
and other species. And degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water, which can worsen
flooding. Sustainable land use can help to reduce the impacts of agriculture and livestock,
preventing soil degradation and erosion and the loss of valuable land to desertification.
 Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is the movement and transport of soil by various agents, particularly water,
wind, and mass movement; hence climate is a key factor. It has been recognized as a major problem
since the 1930s and, although there has been some 70 years of research into the causes and
processes, it is still increasing and of growing concern. Global rates of soil erosion have been
exceeding those of new soil formation by 10- and 20-fold on most continents of the world in the
last few decades. The increase in soil erosion to date is strongly linked with the clearance of natural
vegetation, to enable land to be used for arable agriculture, and the use of farming practices
unsuited to the land on which they are practiced. This, combined with climatic variation and
extreme weather events, has created ideal conditions for soil erosion. The main climatic factors
influencing soil erosion are rainfall (amount, frequency, duration, and intensity), and wind
(direction, strength, and frequency of high-intensity winds), coupled with drying-out of the soil.
Land use, soil type, and topography are the other key factors. (P. Bullock,2005)

Physical processes
o Rainfall
Rainfall, and the surface runoff which may result from rainfall, produces three main types
of soil erosion: splash erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion. Splash erosion is generally seen as
the first and least severe stage in the soil erosion process, which is followed by , rill erosion and
then finally the gully erosion.

Splash Erosion: In splash erosion, the impact of a falling raindrop creates a small crater
in the soil, ejecting soil particles. The distance these soil particles travel can be as much as 0.6 m
(two feet) vertically and 1.5 m (five feet) horizontally on level ground.

Rill Erosion: Rill erosion is the removal of soil by concentrated water running through
little streamlets, or head cuts. Detachment in a rill occurs if the sediment in the flow is below the
amount the load can transport and if the flow exceeds the soil's resistance to detachment.

Gully Erosion: Gully erosion is the removal of soil along drainage lines by surface water
runoff. Once started, gullies will continue to move by headward erosion or by slumping of the side
walls unless steps are taken to stabilize the disturbance.
 o Rivers and streams
Valley or stream erosion occurs with continued water flow along a linear feature. The
erosion is both downward, deepening the valley, and headward, extending the valley into the
hillside, creating head cuts and steep banks. In the earliest stage of stream erosion, the erosive
activity is dominantly vertical, the valleys have a typical V cross-section and the stream gradient
is relatively steep. When some base level is reached, the erosive activity switches to lateral erosion,
which widens the valley floor and creates a narrow floodplain. The stream gradient becomes nearly
flat, and lateral deposition of sediments becomes important as the stream meanders across the
valley floor. In all stages of stream erosion, by far the most erosion occurs during times of flood,
when more and faster-moving water is available to carry a larger sediment load. In such processes,
it is not the water alone that erodes: suspended abrasive particles, pebbles and boulders can also
act erosively as they traverse a surface, in a process known as traction.

Wind erosion: Wind erosion is a major geomorphological force, especially in arid

and semi-arid regions. It is also a major source of land degradation, evaporation, desertification,
harmful airborne dust, and crop damage—especially after being increased far above natural rates
by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.

 Two Varieties of Wind Erosion:

Deflation, where the wind picks up and carries away loose particles; and abrasion, where
surfaces are worn down as they are struck by airborne particles carried by wind.

Three categories under deflation:

1. Surface Creep
2. Saltation
3. Suspension

Mass Movement, mass movement is the downward and outward movement of rock
and sediments on a sloped surface, mainly due to the force of gravity.
Factors Affecting Soil Erosion

Vegetative cover
Vegetation acts as an interface between the
atmosphere and the soil. It increases the permeability of
the soil to rainwater, thus decreasing runoff. It shelters the
soil from winds, which results in decreased wind erosion,
as well as advantageous changes in microclimate. The roots of the plants bind the soil together,
and interweave with other roots, forming a more solid mass that is less susceptible to both water
and wind erosion. The removal of vegetation increases the rate of surface erosion.

Topography
The topography of the land determines the velocity at which surface runoff will flow, which
in turn determines the erosivity of the runoff. Longer, steeper slopes (especially those without
adequate vegetative cover) are more susceptible to very high rates of erosion during heavy rains
than shorter, less steep slopes. Steeper terrain is also more prone to mudslides, landslides, and
other forms of gravitational erosion processes.

Human Activities that Increase Soil Erosion

Deforestation: Without plant cover, erosion can occur and sweep the land into rivers. The
agricultural plants that often replace the trees cannot hold onto the soil and many of these plants,
such as coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean and wheat, can actually worsen soil erosion. And as land
loses its fertile soil, agricultural producers move on, clear more forest and continue the cycle of
soil loss.

Overgrazing: The conversion of natural ecosystems to pasture land doesn’t damage the land
initially as much as crop production, but this change in usage can lead to high rates of erosion and
loss of topsoil and nutrients. Overgrazing can reduce ground cover, enabling erosion and
compaction of the land by wind and rain. This reduces the ability for plants to grow and water to
penetrate, which harms soil microbes and results in serious erosion of the land.

Agrochemicals: Pesticides and other chemicals used on crop plants have helped farmers to
increase yields. Scientists have found that overuse of some of these chemicals changes soil
composition and disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the soil. This stimulates the growth of
harmful bacteria at the expense of beneficial kinds.

IMPACTS

Due to the severity of its ecological effects, and the scale on which it is occurring, erosion
constitutes one of the most significant global environmental problems we face today.

Crops like napIer grass are good for soil retention, regeneration and fodder use.

The loss of fertile soil makes land less productive for agriculture, creates new deserts,
pollutes waterways and can alter how water flows through the landscape, potentially making
flooding more common.

Land degradation: Water and wind erosion are now the two primary causes of land degradation;
combined, they are responsible for 84% of degraded acreage.

Each year, about 75 billion tons of soil is eroded from the land—a rate that is about 13–40
times as fast as the natural rate of erosion.

Approximately 40% of the world's agricultural land is seriously degraded. According to

the United Nations, an area of fertile soil the size of Ukraine is lost every year because of drought,
deforestation and climate change. In Africa, if current trends of soil degradation continue, the
continent might be able to feed just 25% of its population by 2025, according to UNU's Ghana-
based Institute for Natural Resources in Africa.

Loss of Arable Land

Arable land is any land that can be used to grow crops. Many of the practices used in growing
those crops can lead to the loss of topsoil and destruction of soil characteristics that make
agriculture possible.
Clogged and Polluted Water ways Soil eroded from the land, along with pesticides and fertilizers
applied to fields, washes into streams and waterways. This sedimentation and pollution can
damage freshwater and marine habitats and the local communities that depend on them

Increased flooding

Land is often transformed from a forest or other natural landscape, such as floodplains and
wetlands, into a crop field or pasture. The converted land is less able to soak up water, making
flooding more common. There are methods to improve soil water holding capacity as well as
restoration and maintenance of wetlands.

Airborne dust pollution

Soil particles picked up during wind erosion of soil are a major source of air pollution, in
the form of airborne particulates—"dust". These airborne soil particles are often contaminated with
toxic chemicals such as pesticides or petroleum fuels, posing ecological and public health hazards
when they later land, or are inhaled/ingeste

Soil Conservation
Prevention of soil erosion is also called conservation of soil. The soil erosion can be
prevented by the following ways:

Afforestation

Planting new trees and plants is afforestation. We live because plants live. If the plants die,
all living things will also die. Thus, whenever trees are cut down new trees should be planted.
Planting trees in hilly areas are most effective for conservation.

Crop Rotation

Between harvesting one crop and planting the next crop, the fields lie bare; there is a time
period when the farmland does not have any crops. During this period, the farmer either grows
grass or grows other crops to prevent soil from erosion. This helps the soil to regain the lost
minerals.
Terrace Farming

In hilly areas, farming is done by cutting steps on the slopes of the hills. This slows down
the flow of water and soil removed from one step is deposited on the next step. Thus, the soil is
never completely lost. This is terrace farming.

Building Dams

Dams are built to prevent floods, which not only damage the crops but also wash away the
topsoil.

Shelterbelts

The cover of plants and trees around the field also breaks the speed of strong winds and
protects the soil from being blown away.

Embankments

Bib strong structure called embankments along the banks of the river can protect fields from the
floods. These embankments prevent the fast overflowing rivers and rainwater from washing away
a huge amount of rich fertile soil.
  SUMMARY OF THE LESSON

 Soil is the earth’s fragile skin that anchors all life on Earth. It is comprised of
countless species that create a dynamic and complex ecosystem and is among the
most precious resources to humans.

 Soil erosion is the movement and transport of soil by various agents, particularly
water, wind, and mass movement; hence climate is a key factor.

 There are two physical process of soil erosion; the Rainfall and the Rivers and
Streams.

 Due to the severity of its ecological effects, and the scale on which it is occurring,
erosion constitutes one of the most significant global environmental problems we
face today.

 The effects of soil erosion go beyond the loss of fertile land. It has led to increased
pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways and
causing declines in fish and other species.

ONLINE ACTIVITY: Short Video Clip Viewing

Now, you are going to watch a short video clip about soil erosion. As you view the clip, list
down the:

a. Causes
b. Effects
c. Solution
 Okay type the link to access the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0F2c1ECuo4
Soil Erosion Round the World - Causes and Solutions | Global 3000

Are you done watching the video clip? answer this following question. You can use your notes
as reference.

1. What are the causes of soil erosion?

_________________________________________________

2. What are the effects?

__________________________________________________

3. What can be the possible solution to ease that phenomena?

___________________________________________________
ANALYSIS GUIDE

1.) What are the differences between Deflation and Mass movement?

2.) Explain atleast 3 types of erosion based on your own understanding.

3.) What are the significances of knowing the causes and effects of soil erosion?

ACTIVITY
I. MATCHING TYPE

________1. The impact of a falling raindrop A. Rill Erosion

creates a small crater in the soil, ejecting soil particles.

________2. Removal of soil by concentrated B. Gully Erosion

water running through little streamlets, or head cuts.

________3. Removal of soil along drainage lines C. Splash Erosion

by surface water runoff.

________4. Major geomorphological force, especially D. Soil Erosion

in arid and semi-arid regions.

________5. The movement and transport of soil E. Wind Erosion

by various agents, particularly water, wind, and mass

movement; hence climate is a key factor.

II. COMPLETE THE TABLE BELOW

Effects of Soil Erosion

HARMFUL BENEFICIAL

sssssssss
III. INSIGHTS

 Make a 3 paragraphs essay about on what you’ve learned in the

lesson.

 Write a reflection paper about soil conservation.

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Glossary

Afforestation: Planting new trees and plants is afforestation.

Agrochemicals: Pesticides and other chemicals used on crop plants have helped farmers to increase
yields.
Bank erosion is the wearing away of the banks of a stream or river.
Deflation, where the wind picks up and carries away loose particles; and abrasion, where surfaces are worn
down as they are struck by airborne particles carried by wind.

Deforestation: the clearing or thinning of forests by humans.

Embankments: Bib strong structure called embankments along the banks of the river can protect fields
from the floods.
Gully Erosion: Gully erosion is the removal of soil along drainage lines by surface water runoff.
Land degradation: Water and wind erosion are now the two primary causes of land degradation;
combined, they are responsible for 84% of degraded acreage.
Mass Movement: Mass movement is the downward and outward movement of rock and sediments on a
sloped surface, mainly due to the force of gravity.

Overgrazing: a situation in which there are too many cows or other animals eating grass in an area,
which damages the environment.
Rill Erosion: Rill erosion is the removal of soil by concentrated water running through little streamlets,
or head cuts.
Soil: Soil is the earth’s fragile skin that anchors all life on Earth.
Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is the movement and transport of soil by various agents, particularly water, wind,
and mass movement; hence climate is a key factor.
Splash Erosion: In splash erosion, the impact of a falling raindrop creates a small crater in the soil,
ejecting soil particles.
Thermal weathering is caused by temperature changes causing small portions of the material to crumble
and pile up on the bottom of an incline.
Topography: The topography of the land determines the velocity at which surface runoff will flow, which
in turn determines the erosivity of the runoff.
Vegetative cover: Vegetation acts as an interface between the atmosphere and the soil. It increases the
permeability of the soil to rainwater, thus decreasing runoff.
Wind erosion: Wind erosion is a major geomorphological force, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.