Practices That Expose Soil To Erosion And How They Can Be Corrected Research Paper Sample

Practices that expose soil to erosion and how they can be corrected

Introduction

Soil erosion is a very big problem to human beings because it has detrimental effects on the life of human beings. There are many causes of soil erosion; some are natural causes while some are induced by the activities of human beings on the earth’s surface. Examples of human practices that result in soil erosion are overgrazing, over-cultivation and deforestation.

Over-cultivation

Over-cultivation is the excessive use of land for growing agricultural products. Excessive use of land makes the soil surface lose hence; soil can be easily eroded through wind or water erosion. This is common in raised areas where rail water easily washes away soil and its nutrients leaving unproductive land. Soil erosion caused by over-cultivation can be corrected by embracing soil friendly agricultural practices. Farmers should practice cover cropping and plant crops across slopes rather than along slopes.

Overgrazing

Overgrazing is a practice where farmers keep so many animals that they cause drastic reductions in the soil cover due to excessive grazing. When grass and other soil covers are exhausted, soil is prone to erosion through various agents of erosion. This practice can be stopped by encouraging farmers to practice zero grazing. Furthermore, farmers should only keep a few animals to avoid creating pressure on land and causing overgrazing.

Deforestation

This is a human activity where plant cover is cut down for human economic and social activities such as logging, paper manufacture, and cutting down trees to build settlements. Deforestation reduces the amount of rainfall received hence; causing soil erosion through agents like wind. Deforestation also reduces soil cover hence; soil and its nutrients can be eroded through water and wind. This can be stopped by encouraging forestation programs where individuals are encouraged to grow trees to cover soil. Illegal practices like logging must be stopped too.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is evident that human practices are the major causes of soil erosion. Overgrazing, over-cultivation and deforestation have detrimental effects on soil. They must be regulated or stopped to encourage soil protection.

C. Morgan, R. P. (2009). Soil Erosion and Conservation (3 ed.). New York: Wiley.

Chauhan, B. S. (2008). Environmental Studies (illustrated ed.). New York: Firewall Media.