Soil erosion is defined as the detachment and movement of soil particles by water,

wind, or other agents. It is a major problem in many parts of the world, especially in
agricultural areas. It can lead to a decline in crop yields, loss of topsoil, and
increased runoff of pollutants. Soil erosion is a major problem that can harm
the environment and human activities. However, it can be prevented through the
use of different management practices including terracing, crop rotation, and the use
of cover crops.

Soil Erosion
The phrase “soil erosion” refers to the long-term degradation of the topsoil, which is
the uppermost layer of soil, due to the slow process of movement and transport by
various forces, mainly water, wind, and mass movement.

Process of Soil Erosion

The process of soil erosion is made up of three processes.

o Detachment: In this stage, the top layer of soil gets detached from the
earth’s crust due to various activities like heavy rains, animal grazing, heavy
winds, floods, and so on.

o Transport: In this stage, the top layer of soil gets transported from its
original location to the other by the action of flood or other causes.

o Deposition: In this stage, the top layer of soil is deposited in a new location
other than its original place.

Types of Soil Erosion

The following are the different types of soil erosion:

Splash Erosion
The initial phase of erosion is represented by splash erosion or raindrop impact. The
assault of the soil surface by raindrops causes splash erosion. When raindrops hit
exposed or naked soil, they act like tiny bombs, shifting soil particles and disrupting
the soil’s structure. Surface crusts are created as a result of splash erosion, which
also causes a reduction in infiltration and the beginning of runoff.

Sheet Erosion
A homogeneous layer of soil is removed from the soil surface when sheet erosion
takes place, which is caused by a shallow flow of water running across the ground
surface. When rainfall intensity exceeds infiltration, sheet erosion develops. Sheet
erosion, which is sometimes difficult to identify, is to blame for significant soil loss in
both cultivated and uncultivated regions. By preserving plant cover and maximising
penetration of ponded water through the preservation of soil structure and organic
matter, sheet erosion can be avoided.

Rill Erosion
The accumulation of surface water into deeper, faster-moving channels causes rill
erosion. The flow’s velocity rises as it gets deeper, separating soil particles and
scouring channels up to 30 cm deep. The process between sheet erosion and gully
erosion is known as rill erosion.

Gully Erosion
Gully erosion is an advanced form of rill erosion where surface channels have
degraded so much that tillage procedures are unable to remove them. Gully erosion
is to blame for massive soil removal, the irreparable destruction of crops, roads, and
bridges, and the decline in water quality caused by an increase in stream sediment
loads. Gully formation is assumed to be a reaction to the surrounding environment
receiving too much water as a result of the eradication of perennial vegetation.

As rill erosion deepens and spreads, a gully head arises, producing a distinctive nick
point or headwall. The majority of gullies are caused by headwall migration and
extended upslope. However, the main cause of soil loss often results from the
sidewalls collapsing and sinking.

Wind Erosion
The natural process of wind erosion involves the movement of dirt from one place to
another. Significant economic and environmental harm may result from it. It can be
brought on by anything from a moderate breeze that blows soil particles over the
surface to a powerful wind that lifts tonnes of soil into the air to produce dust storms.
Wind erosion may occur in agricultural regions as well as deserts, coastal dunes, and
beaches due to particular geographical characteristics. By maintaining plant covers,
such as trees, agricultural wastes, and grassland, we can reduce the likelihood of
wind erosion.

Floodplain Erosion
The process of the earth being worn away by a floodway is referred to as the erosion
of a floodplain. An increase in earthen material occurs as sediment is deposited in
the floodway, a process known as the aggradation of a floodplain. As a river
meanders or twists from side to side, the floodplain is eroded.
Causes of Soil Erosion
Securing a continuous surface cover of the soil, such as trees, pasture, or meadow, is
the most efficient technique to reduce erosion. The soils in grazing fields and
croplands, however, have less stability and are more prone to erosion as compared
to the original forest soils. Because these soils can’t hold as much water, flooding
and all of its negative economic, social, and environmental effects occur more
frequently. Following are a few causes of soil erosion:

o Deforestation for agricultural purposes

The land is being cleared for agriculture as a result of the rising population’s desire
for goods including coffee, soybeans, palm oil, and wheat. Unfortunately, the hazards
of soil erosion are increased by cutting down native trees and replanting them with
new tree crops that may or may not retain the soil. Agriculture is put in danger as
topsoil, the soil’s portion with the greatest nutrients is lost over time.

o Overgrazing of animals

Intense livestock rearing is the source of overgrazing. Plants wind up getting crushed
and compacted by cattle since they aren’t given the recuperation time they require.
Topsoil sediments are moved elsewhere during this process. The remaining soil may
lose its ability to infiltrate, which would result in a greater loss of water to the
environment and a more difficult period for the emergence of new plants.

o Use of Agrochemical

To assist farmers to increase their yields, chemicals are frequently used as

insecticides and fertilisers on monoculture crops. However, overuse of phosphoric
compounds leads to an imbalance of microorganisms in the wetness of the soil,
which encourages the growth of dangerous germs. As the soil deteriorates, erosion
becomes more likely, and sediments are carried away by water and wind into
surrounding rivers and areas, where they may contaminate nearby ecosystems.

o Recreational and construction activities

Since the construction of roads and buildings prevents water from flowing normally,
they also bear some of the blame for soil erosion. Instead, it floods neighbouring
regions, accelerating erosion there. Additionally, motorised sports like motocross can
erode soil, disrupt ecosystems, and alter even if on a lesser scale than other reasons.

Effects of Soil Erosion

The following are some of the negative consequences of soil erosion.

o Topsoil Depletion

This is the most serious consequence of soil erosion. Because topsoil is so rich,
removing it can have major consequences for farmers’ crops or their capacity to
work their land properly.

o Organic and Fertile Matter Reduction

Removing organic-rich topsoil reduce the land’s potential to grow new flora or crops.
When fresh crops or plants are unable to be effectively planted in the region, a cycle
of declining amounts of organic nutrients is perpetuated.

o Drainage issues

When the soil beneath the topsoil becomes compressed and stiff, it restricts the
capacity of water to permeate these deeper strata, resulting in higher runoff and an
increased risk of significant erosion. Too much sand compaction can result in an
effective crust that seals in the surface layer, making it even more difficult for water
to move through to deeper strata.

o Plant Reproduction Issues

Wind, in particular, causes lighter soil qualities such as fresh seeds and seedlings to
be covered or killed when soil is eroded in active fields. This, in turn, has an effect on
future crop output.

o Acidity of the Soil

When the soil structure is weakened and organic matter is considerably decreased,
there is a greater likelihood of increased soil acidity, which has a significant influence
on the capacity of plants and crops to flourish.

o Water Pollution

A major issue with runoff from soils, particularly those utilised for agricultural
activities, is the increased risk of debris and pollution from fertiliser or pesticide use.
This can have serious consequences for fish and water quality.

o Changes in the Climate

Because erosion destroys land, it can host fewer plants that help absorb climate-
warming CO2. Soils have the capacity to store enough Greenhouse gases in a year to
equal around 5% of total man-made Greenhouse gases emission.

Prevention of Soil Erosion

The ways for preventing soil erosion are as follows:

o Vegetation: A ground cover supplied by plants, the roots of which encircle

the soil and prevent soil erosion.

o Matting the soil: Installing a protective covering, similar to a blanket, over

the soil to encourage the growth of tiny plants also aids in the prevention of
soil erosion.

o Application of mulches: Mulches are a layer of material put to the soil

surface that improves the quality and holding capacity of the soil.

o Making windbreaks: It reduces soil erosion caused by high winds.

 o Making the slope area flat: When it rains, the soil surface can run down
with water. However, this can be avoided by flattening the surface.

Difference between Soil Erosion and Soil

Conservation
The following table shows the difference between soil erosion and soil conservation:

Sr.n Soil Erosion Soil Conservation

o
1. The loss or destruction of the top covering of soil by Soil conservation is the
natural processes and human actions is referred to as technique of preventing soil
soil erosion. erosion.
2. It is the deterioration of the top layer of soil caused by It is the most fruitful soil of all.
natural and human factors.
3. It is an unpleasant activity. It is a careful activity.
4. Such behaviours hurt humanity. The human race gets
advantages from this activity.