Soil erosion management
WHAT IS SOIL EROSION
The degradation of land brought on by the disappearance of soil particles is known as erosion of soil. Dislodgement, transit, and sedimentation are its three main phases. The kind of soil, aggregation, infiltration, and ground cover all affect their pace. For instance, bare areas are most easily ruined, while fields with good aggregate are less susceptible. Terrace farming, perennial grasses, and cover crops can all be used to buffer slopes from water erosion during rainy showers.
Erosion is a primary cause of farmland loss worldwide and deteriorates the quality of the soil. Field damage can be slowed down by being aware of the causes and mechanisms of soil erosion. Although the effects can be fairly severe, the dangers can be reduced with prevention, reduction, and early problem diagnosis.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOIL EROSION
FREQUENTLY OCCURRING FLOODING SITUATIONS
Because the roots of trees stabilize the earth, there is always a chance of frequent flooding when forests are turned into pastures or fields. Additionally, these places lose their ability to infiltrate, which exacerbates flooding and waterlogging.
FILTHY WATERWAYS AND CONTUSED SEA LIFE
Clogging of streams and siltation are two long-term impacts of soil erosion. Furthermore, eroded particles choke water pumps, dams, and grassy streams in addition to causing sedimentation in places with more uniform soil. Field runoff frequently contains toxins in its water that can harm humans, animals, and even contaminate drinking supplies.
DECREASE IN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Over time, regions that have been eroded become entirely bare and have minimal vegetation. Because many species are robbed of their natural habitats, it implies that not only is there deterioration in the local flora but also in the fauna. Ecosystem imbalance is the result of biodiversity loss.
REDUCED SEQUESTRATION OF GREENHOUSE GASSES
Although trees and other vegetation are excellent carbon dioxide storers, their growth is severely limited on degraded ground. Furthermore, soils themselves have the ability to absorb CO2. About 5% of greenhouse gases caused by human activity can be stored on Earth annually, according to some estimates. By halting the loss of carbon-sequestering plants on Earth, sustainable management could improve the situation and lower greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation.
PREVENTING AND MANAGING EROSION
The following are the three key ideas for preventing erosion:
- Utilize land in accordance with its capacity.
- Cover the soil’s surface in any way to keep it safe.
- Regulate runoff to prevent it from becoming an erosive force.
By utilising the land to the best of its capacity, soil erosion can be prevented. The slope, kind of soil, and position of the property all affect how susceptible it is to erosion. It might not be appropriate for farming or any other activity that reduces erosion. Soil erosion can be avoided, for instance, by planting trees or grazing the ground. Soil erosion can also be decreased by putting conservation techniques like terracing and contour plowing into effect. To stop erosion, it’s critical to properly evaluate the features of the ground and select sensible land use techniques.
Because surface cover lessens the effect of rains falling on bare soils and the wind dispersing soil particles, it plays a significant role in reducing erosion. Additionally, it slows down the water’s passage across the land. When there is more than 30% of soil cover, the risk of erosion is considerably decreased. There are numerous grazing and cropping methods that can achieve total cover. It is possible to enhance soil cover by using techniques like conservation tillage and cover crops.
As runoff moves downslope, it concentrates. Large catchment rivers are typically only a few hundred meters broad by the time they reach the coast. Surface cover promotes runoff dispersal, but runoff concentration is unavoidable. When putting runoff management strategies into practice, coordination throughout the watershed is crucial. As runoff moves from the most remote area of a catchment to a main drainage line or creek, it may pass through multiple properties, traverse multiple highways, and occasionally cross railroad lines.
