Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #67
Hello, friends welcome to my post in which I have discussed "Basic Knowledge in Agriculture 67" as part of my participation in this contest.
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the washing away of the topsoil by wind or rain. The words remind me of my days in primary and secondary school, when we turned them into a sign of music that symbolized soil erosion as the washing away of the top layer of soil (topsoil) by wind or rain. However, now I understand such definitions as a layman.
In an advanced level, I will say that soil erosion is the process by which the top layer of soil is worn away and carried off by natural forces such as; human activities, water, or wind. Most at time humans are the major causes of soil erosion and soil is very important to us as it contains nutrients needed for plants to grow, which when soil is removed, plants become less fertile to grow.
What are the causes of soil erosion?
As I have already introduced, there are two causes of soil erosion which are:
Human Causes:
Deforestation: When we cut down trees it exposes soil to erosion.
Poor farming practices: When we over till the ground it causes improper irrigation and erosion is the next thing that follows.
Overgrazing: When animals eat grasses that protect the soil it causes erosion.
Construction activities: When road building and mining disturb the soil.
Bush burning: When we burn leaves and bushes soil becomes unprotected.
Natural Causes
Heavy rainfall and flooding: When rainfall is too much it washes away loose topsoil.
Wind: When strong winds occur, they blow away dry, loose soil.
Running water: Rivers and streams slowly wear away soil.
Slip of land: Steep slopes allow soil to be washed away so easily.
What are the disadvantages of soil erosion?
Low agricultural yield soil erosion reduced food production.
Loss of soil fertility: Crops grow poorly due to the loss of nutrients.
Desertification: land becomes unproductive and dry.
Flooding: Eroded soil blocks drainage channels and rivers.
Damage to ecosystems: plants and animals lose their habitat.
Curated by : @walictd