Question

effects of soil erosion​

Answer 1

Answer:

Soil erosion impacts the agricultural industry as well as the natural environment. The effects of soil erosion can be felt both on-site, meaning at the site of soil disruption, or off-site, meaning the location where the eroded soil deposits. Let's start by building our understanding of the impact of soil erosion on-site. When the topsoil is eroded from an area, that area loses its most nutrient-rich layer, and therefore soil quality is reduced.

Poor soil quality means smaller crop yields and may even wash away seeds and small plants. This may call for more of a need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which can run off of fields and contaminate waterways. Also, when the organic matter that is found within the top layer of soil is removed, it can weaken the soil's ability to hold water, leaving the field susceptible to weather conditions such as droughts.

The soil that is carried away has to go somewhere, and this leads to off-site problems. As mentioned, when soil is carried away from a farmer's field by water, it carries with it contaminants, such as fertilizers and pesticides. This runoff can cause water pollution that contaminates drinking water and disrupts ecosystems of lakes and wetlands. This negatively impacts the fish and wildlife that depend on these downstream waters for food and habitat. Sediments that accumulate down slope of the erosion can obstruct the flow of water in streams and drainage canals, leading to flooding.

As we see, much of the effects of soil erosion are the result of water erosion. But, wind erosion can also transport topsoil and weaken soil quality. Wind can also damage young seedlings by blasting them with sand and other small particles. Wind also distributes topsoil, which might uncover and expose some seedlings, while at the same time, burying other seedlings too deep. Also, when farmer's fields undergo excessive tillage, meaning that the field is worked too hard in preparation for planting, the soil structure can be lost, making it more susceptible to erosion.

Answer 2

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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.