Question

Describe the causes of soil erosion.

Answer 1

Soil: The topmost layer of the Earth's land surface (lithosphere) that is composed of inorganic minerals and organic matter is referred to as soil.

Soil erosion: The denudation, degradation, or loss of topsoil leading to disorganization, transportation, or removal by various factors is referred to as soil erosion.

Soil erosion is the culmination of innumerable processes that are as follows:

1. Excessive/improper agricultural practices: Excessive, uncontrolled, or unplanned agricultural practices are the major reason for soil erosion. Tilling, plowing, and manually-performed harsh weed removal lead to the topsoil being removed.
2. Overgrazing: Cattle and herds that are made to graze on a particular land region repeatedly lead to denudation of the land, thereby contributing to soil erosion.
3. Strong winds: Thunderstorms, advection currents, and strong winds are capable of blowing away the topsoil. The soil particles are carried away and the land is left barren, bare, and eroded.
4. Heavy rainfall: Torrential rainfall that falls on unprotected soil, and washes away the minerals. As a result, after the cessation of rainfall, the soil becomes eroded and is exposed to further damage.
5. Urbanization: The rapid rate of urbanization requires land and resources. As a result, activities like extensive mining, drilling, and construction are destroying and eroding the soil.
6. Flooding: Frequent and rapid flooding washes away the soil particles and carries away the mineral-rich topsoil.