Question

Write a brief note on soil erosion

Answer 1

Soil erosion is the displacement of the upper layer of soil, one form of soil degradation. A low level of erosion of soil is a naturally occurring process on all land. The agents of soil erosion are water and wind, each contributing a significant amount of soil loss each year. Soil erosion may be a slow process that continues relatively unnoticed, or it may occur at an alarming rate causing a serious loss of topsoil. The loss of soil from farmland may be reflected in reduced crop production potential, lower surface water quality and damaged drainage networks.

Human activities have increased by 10–40 times the rate at which erosion is occurring globally. Excessive (or accelerated) erosion causes both "on-site" and "off-site" problems. On-site impacts include decreases in agricultural productivity and (on natural landscapes) ecological collapse, both because of loss of the nutrient-rich upper soil layers. In some cases, the eventual end result is desertification. Off-site effects include sedimentation of waterways and eutrophication of water bodies, as well as sediment-related damage to roads and houses. Water and wind erosion are the two primary causes of land degradation; combined, they are responsible for about 84% of the global extent of degraded land, making excessive erosion one of the most significant environmental problems worldwide.[1][2]

Intensive agriculture, deforestation, roads, anthropogenic climate change and urban sprawl are amongst the most significant human activities in regard to their effect on stimulating erosion.[3] However, there are many prevention and remediation practices that can curtail or limit erosion of vulnerable soils.

The removal of the top soil by human and natural agents is termed soil erosion. Destruction of trees speed soil erosion. The poor maintenance of agricultural land and overgrazing of pastures enhance the rate of soil erosion. If a sloping land is ploughed the water runs down furrows. The natural drainage system is damaged and soil erosion is increased. The natural agents of erosion are overflowing rain-water, sun-rays and wind. The top soils on river beds are carried away by rivers and streams. Overflowing rain-water washes away mud and dust. Weak soil is also blown away by wind and damaged by sun-rays. As a result of soil erosion millions of hectares of land have become unproductive and barren. The earth’s crust is decayed and fertility is lost. To prevent soil erosion steps must be taken to plant trees and protect forests. The agricultural land must be maintained properly and the drainage system must be improved. Moreover the pastures should be used in a restricted way. If we take these measures we can surely have a remedy for the damages already done by soil erosion.

Answer 2

Soil erosion is the displacement of the top layer of soil, one of the forms of soil degradation Low levels of erosion are natural processes that occur on all land.

More information about soil erosion

• Water and wind erosion causes soil erosion, which each contributes a significant amount of soil loss each year.
• Soil erosion can be a slow process, or it can occur at an alarming rate, causing a serious loss of topsoil.
• The loss of soil from farmland can lead to reduced crop production potential, lower surface water quality, and damaged drainage networks.

How to control soil erosion?

• Plant more trees.
• Inter cropping
• Mixed cropping
• Agro-based foresting.

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