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Soil Erosion And The Environment

1329 Words6 Pages

Soil erosion is a growing problem worldwide and has been taken its toll on the environment. Although soil seems insignificant to the population, it is a viable source that humans need to survive. Soil anchors all life on Earth by providing plants with the nutrients needed to stay alive. Not only does it play a key role in the design and sustainability of agricultural systems but it also affects future generations needs and production of crops as well (Higgit 1). Soil erosion affects the global community’s livelihoods through a variety of conditions. Some can be air pollution, water pollution, degraded land, and loss of fertile land.
What is a solution to this major environmental issue ? Plants. Plants are able to reduce soil erosion by breaking …show more content…

Plants provide oxygen, CO2, and serve as a food source for all living beings. Over 1 billion humans are now malnourished due to food shortages and inadequate distribution, that is about 20% of the population (Pimentel et al. 1). Lands that are being used for crop production are often substantially affected by soil erosion due to erosion eating away the topsoil which supports the essential microorganisms and organic matter (What Is Soil Erosion? 1). Erosion causes on-site loss of agricultural potential as well as an off-site effect of downstream movement of sediment, that can result in floods and silting of reservoirs (Directorate Communication, National Department of Agriculture 1). Eventually these problems contribute to the limited distribution of quality food to individuals caused by a great loss of potential agricultural land (What Is Soil Erosion? 1).
Natural activities are one of the many causes of soil erosion and unfortunately there is no way of preventing erosion from these activities. Rainfall and flooding is a common and major natural cause, this is water erosion. Erosion from water can fall into three categories; sheet erosion, gully erosion, and …show more content…

Rye and clover for example are excellent for erosion control because of the nets of roots those specific plants send out. The roots of these plants hold topsoil in place and when tilted back it increases the nutrient density as they compost (Grant 1). These extensive root systems help keep the soil clumped together. Plants also absorb some of the water in the soil making it harder for water to wash away the soil preventing water erosion, as well as help block wind preventing wind erosion (Science Buddies

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