Calgary Topsoil » Topsoil Erosion Pictures
The Effect of Erosion On Our Earth
Soil erosion has occurred for over 450 million years. Erosion is the result of displacement of soil, mud, stones, rock and other particles by water, ice, rivers, streams, ocean currents, wind or living organisms. Gravity helps in soil erosion. Erosion is a natural process but time and again is made worse by human in the name of deforestation, overgrazing, over construction and building of roads. Excessive erosion leads to damage of the ecosystem, loss of topsoil and water sedimentation. The effects of erosion are made worse due to overpopulation. Soil erosion can be minimized by improved land use techniques such the building of terraces, tree planting, the use of cover crops and minimal deforestation.
Generally soil erosion occurs at the about the same rate as soil is formed, but increased soil erosion at an alarming rate has lead to land left unprotected, exposed and vulnerable. In addition to man’s irresponsible actions, naturally occurring rainfalls or windstorms make erosion a huge environmental concern. Erosion occurs in both agricultural and farming areas as well as in the natural environment. Effects of erosion impact 2 places, on-site and off-site.
Tillage erosion occurs with the introduction of today’s powerful agricultural equipments. Soil erosion must be studied over short and long-term spans. The main impact of soil erosion is the reduction of soil quality. Crops are reliant on the upper topsoil, which is the part most susceptible to erosion from wind and water. The erosion of the topsoil causes loss of nutrient rich upper layers of soil, as well as the reduction in water retention capacity of this eroded soil. Erosion removes the ‘cream of the soil’. In affluent countries this problem is combated with the use of artificial fertilizers and technology but in poorer countries this is not an option. Loss of nutrient rich soil is a long time problem. Globally, the threat to long- term sustainability of agricultural productivity is the moist serious consequence of erosion.
The relationship between soil erosion and crop productivity is not an exact science due to the large variability in outcomes. Monitoring the effects on yield is hampered since erosion is a gradual process and its effect on yield is often obscured. The destructive impact of erosion is well known in developing countries such as Africa and Asia but even in developed countries this is also a huge environmental concern. Erosion caused by water is a serious issue in Austria, New Zealand, Eastern and Southern Europe as well as some parts of the USA.
Global warming is a
threat that will affect generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding us that
supports life is a God-given gift. It must be protected. We should be leaders in
efforts to curb global warming, not resistant followers.
Erin Hunt is an avid writer and activist. She discovered that many are still
unaware of the dangers of global warming and thus created a website to educate
others on how they can play a role in the fight against global warming. Find out
more about the cause and
effects of global warming and how you can make a difference at
http://www.fightagainstglobalwarming.com
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