what is soil erosion? what are the methods of preventing soil erosion?
Answers
Answer:
Soil erosion is the displacement of the upper layer of soil, it is one form of soil degradation. This natural process is caused by the dynamic activity of erosive agents, that is, water, ice, snow, air, plants, animals, and humans.
How to prevent soil erosion:
- Crop Rotation: Rotating in high-residue crops — such as corn, hay, and small grain — can reduce erosion as the layer of residue protects topsoil from being carried away by wind and water.
- Conservation Tillage: Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion.
Answer:
1)Soil erosion is defined as the wearing away of topsoil. Topsoil is the top layer of soil and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials. One of the main causes of soil erosion is water erosion, which is the loss of topsoil due to water.
1 b)Preventive methods of soil erosion (i) Afforestation Planting more trees reduces soil erosion. (ii) Contour Ploughing: Ploughing land in furrows across the natural slope of the land helps trap water and prevent the washing away of top soil along with it. (iii) Step (terrace) Farming Farmers form a series of steps by making horizontal strips supported by walls to catch the descending water. It gives the water sufficient time to percolate into the soil and nourish the crop. (iv) Soil Cover After harvesting a crop, soil is covered with dried vegetation to prevent its erosion. (v) Overgrazing Grasses tend to bind soil particles to prevent their erosion. If overgrazing is allowed, the grasses are uprooted and soil gets eroded.
Explanation: