Question

What are some effects of soil erosion?

Answer 1

Soil erosion

• Soil erosion refers to the destruction of the soil cover.
• Soil formation activities coexist with erosional processes caused by running water and wind. However, there is a general balance between these two processes.
• The rate of fine particle removal from the surface is the same as the rate of particle addition to the soil layer.
• Human activities contribute significantly to soil erosion.
• Soil erosion is a major issue in Indian agriculture, and its detrimental impacts can be seen in other areas as well.

Effects of soil erosion

• Eroded materials are moved down rivers, reducing their carrying capacity and causing frequent flooding and damage to agricultural regions.
• One of the primary causes of soil erosion is deforestation. Plants keep soils bonded through root locks, preventing erosion. By shedding leaves and twigs, they also add humus to the soil.
• Forests have been practically deforested in most sections of India, but their impact on soil erosion is greater in hilly areas.
• Pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals are found in agricultural soil. This pollutes the water bodies into which the soil flows.
• Sediments collect in the water, raising the water level and causing flooding.