Why do we need to prevent soil erosion
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Soil erosion occurs when natural forces, such as wind and water, act on the soil. Man can also cause soil erosion by such practices as tilling a farmer's field or the clearing of vegetation. Clearing vegetation removes the protection of plants and roots needed to lock soil in place. Basically, the more exposed or heavily tilled soil is, the more likely it is to erode during rain or windstorms.
Effects of Soil Erosion
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.
Effects of Soil Erosion
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.
Answered by
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Hey
Here is your answer,
Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process - just because it happens does not necessarily make it something that should be prevented. It's what you intend the soil to be used for or if there are any consequences to soil eroding in the area that makes prevention important. Soil may be used as a support for something - earthen dams for instance. If the soil that composes a dam starts to erode, it strongly affects the integrity of that dam. If too much damage were to occur and the dam's reservoir were to fill up too much, the erosion would make it much easier for the dam to break, potentially flooding the downstream area and causing damage to property, infrastrucute, and possible loss of life. Similarly, if soil erosion were to occur over time, it could change the course of a river or stream - this could be very bad if the new stream flows over a town or series of roads. In the same way that soil erosion could lead to disasterous effects for things we consider convenient, it's just as possible that the events that take place after excessive erosion could involve damage to the habitats or eradication of animals in the area. Or perhaps you have a garden you want to keep looking nice! The nice part about erosion is that it takes a little more time for something serious to occur - even though erosion may be hidden under the ground. This is called a sink hole when exposed - you wouldn't want these to develop underneath a street or sewage drain since that soil acts as a suppport for keeping such things in place
Hope it helps you!
Here is your answer,
Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process - just because it happens does not necessarily make it something that should be prevented. It's what you intend the soil to be used for or if there are any consequences to soil eroding in the area that makes prevention important. Soil may be used as a support for something - earthen dams for instance. If the soil that composes a dam starts to erode, it strongly affects the integrity of that dam. If too much damage were to occur and the dam's reservoir were to fill up too much, the erosion would make it much easier for the dam to break, potentially flooding the downstream area and causing damage to property, infrastrucute, and possible loss of life. Similarly, if soil erosion were to occur over time, it could change the course of a river or stream - this could be very bad if the new stream flows over a town or series of roads. In the same way that soil erosion could lead to disasterous effects for things we consider convenient, it's just as possible that the events that take place after excessive erosion could involve damage to the habitats or eradication of animals in the area. Or perhaps you have a garden you want to keep looking nice! The nice part about erosion is that it takes a little more time for something serious to occur - even though erosion may be hidden under the ground. This is called a sink hole when exposed - you wouldn't want these to develop underneath a street or sewage drain since that soil acts as a suppport for keeping such things in place
Hope it helps you!
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