Soil and Water Conservation

Measures
csec objective 2.11
Explain soil and water conservation
measures.
 Soil Erosion
• Soil erosion is the removal of soil (usually
topsoil) from its place of origin by agents such
as wind and water, and is deposited
elsewhere.
• Soil erosion is natural and ongoing but
becomes a cause for concern when the rate of
soil loss is greater than the rate of soil
formation.
Factors contributing to soil erosion
• Amount of rainfall
• Wind speed and intensity
• Gradient of sloping lands
• Amount and type of vegetative cover
• Presence of grazing animals
 Soil Erosion

Natural Accelerated
 Natural Soil Erosion
Occurs where the land is undisturbed by man.
• Seen along coastal areas where wave-action
erodes rocks and beaches.
• Landslide in hilly/mountainous areas of loose
impervious soil.
• Dust storms caused by strong winds over dry,
semi-arid or arid (desert) areas.
• Running water on steep slopes
 Accelerated Soil Erosion
Occurs as a result of activities of man on the
land; activities which disturb the natual
environment.
• “Slash and burn” method of land clearing,
• Deforestation
• Overgrazing of lands by livestock
• Over tillage/use of soil
• General unsuitable cultural practices
 Types of Soil Erosion
(caused by water)
• Rain drop Impact /Splash erosion
• Sheet erosion
• Rill erosion
• Gully erosion
• Streambank erosion
• Landslide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofhQvAu_L1I
(see descriptions on pg 115 in your textbook : Agricultural Science for CSEC Examinations)
 Erosion Caused by Winds
• Soil Creep (Mass Movement) – loose soil
particles such as sand are gradually moved by
strong winds. This is seen mostly on slopes but
can occur on flat lands. Soil moves 1-2cm per
year.Soil accumulates in a series of ridges
called terracettes.
• Saltation – This is where soil particles become
suspended in the air suddenly, due to strong
winds, and are carried over large distances to
be deposited in a different location. Seen
where dust storms occur near bauxite mining
roads and farm lands that are left bare.