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Soil erosion and degradation |
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Soil erosion and degradation is a naturally occurring process, where natural forces of water and wind wears off top soil from the earth's surface. According to the World Wildlife Fund, half of the earth's topsoil has been lost due to soil erosion in the last 150 years. Soil erosion may occur at a slow pace, or it may occur at an alarming rate, and may be reflected in reduced crop production, and other effects. Soil erosion is a natural process, but several common factors, most of which are caused by human activities, tends to speed up the rate at which erosion occurs. Deforestation, intensive agriculture, roads, climate change are some factors caused by human activities that speeds up the process of soil erosion by 10 - 40 percent globally. Today, soil erosion is one of the most significant global environmental problems we face as the result of its severe effects. Soil erosion destroys arable land. According to the United Nations University's Ghana based Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, Africa might be able to feed just 25% of its continent by 2025, if current trends of soil degradation continues. Soil erosion also leads to water pollution when soil eroded from land with pesticides is washed off into rivers and other waterways. However, there are several methods used to prevent or reduce the rate of soil erosion. The simplest and most natural way to prevent erosion is through planting vegetation. Plants use their roots to hold soil together, which prevents or limits soil erosion. Other methods used include using geotextiles, mulch/fertilizer, retaining walls, etc.
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3 Comments
Hi, Lemuel! Thank you for your report on soil erosion. Soil erosion has been a serious problem around the world for quite a long time now. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, and extended soil erosion can eventually lead to desertification. When the situation progresses to desertification, it is nearly impossible to turn back. So the important thing will be to stop the process of soil erosion and reverse it while we still can. Since removing plants leads to soil erosion, it makes sense that planting plants will prevent it. Just as you have explained in your report, planting plants is one of the most effective and environment-friendly ways to stop soil erosion, and we can all participate in this process! Overall, the way to prevent soil erosion will be to stop deforestation in the first place and plant trees in the places that are already bare.
Posted 31-10-2017 01:24
Hi, Lemuel! Barley or sweet potato cropping system is good to prevent soil erosion. For example, for these crops cases, falling raindrops in the rainy day hit the leaves and stem of crops first of all and then fall into the soil after losing their kinetic energy so the soil could be protected. Or including organic matters and limes in the soil could contribute to improving soil condition to be strong against erosion. But most of all, we have to recognize most of causing factors are generated from human activities and find out proper method to reduce or minimize their effects. Thanks for your report!
Posted 24-10-2017 19:28
Social erosion is a common scenario in the countries depending in agriculture. We should use integrated land use system for increasing the soil productivity and lessen the affect of soil erosion.
Posted 17-10-2017 00:38