Soil Erosion

Soil Erosion is the displacement of the upper layer soil, one form form of soil degradation. The erosion of
soil is naturally occuring process.

Process of soil erosion is made upp of three parts:

Detachment- this is when the topsoil is actually "detached" from the rest of the ground.

Movement-this is when the topsoil is relocated to another area.

Depisition-where the topsoil ends up after rhis process.

Causes of Soil Erosion

Deforestation- soil gets washed away with rain water on sloppy area in the absence of trees leading to
soil erosion

Rain and Rainwater Runoff- in a particular heavy rain, soil erosion is common. First of all the water starts
to break down tge soil, despersing the material it is made of.

Slope of the Land- tge physical characteristic of the land can also contribute to soil erosion. For example,
land with high hill slope will perpetuate the process of rain water or runoff saturation in the area,
particualarly due to the faster movement of water down a slope.

Lack of Vegetation- plants and crops help to maintain the structure of soil, reducing the amount of soil
erosion. Areas with less naturally- occuring flora may be hint that the soil is prone to erosion.

Wind- can be a major factor in reducing soil quality and promotion erosion, particularly if the soil
structure is already loosened up.

Effects of Soil Erosion

Loss of Topsoil- Obviously, this is the biggest effect of soil erosion. Because the topsoil is so fertile, if it
removed this can cause serious harm or farmers crops or the ability to effectively work their land.

Soil Compaction- when soil under the topsoil becomes compacted and stiff (it reduces rhe ability for
water to infiltrate these deeper levels, which increase the risk with more serious erosion.

Reduce Organic and Fertile Matter- as mentioned, removing topsoil that is heavy with organic matter
will reduce the ability for theland to generate new flora or crops.

Issues with Pland Reproduction- when soil is eroded in an active crop land, wind makes lighter soil
properties such as new seeds and seedlings to be buried and destroyed.

Soil Acidity Levels- when the structure of the soil becomes compromised, and organic matter is greatly
reduced, tgere is a higher chance of increased of soil acifity which will significantli impact the ability to
plants and crops to grow.
Solution Of Soil Erosion

•Careful Tilling

•Crop Rotation

•Strip Farming

•Shelter Belts

•Countour Ploughing

•Terracing

•Water control