The Hidden Dangers of Soil Erosion

 The Hidden Dangers of Soil Erosion

By: Sandra Maldo

It happens when the top layer of soil gets washed away by things like heavy rain or wind, or even because of activities like cutting down trees or farming in the wrong way. When soil erodes, it can lead to less fertile land, loss of farms, and more dirt getting into nearby water. To fight against soil erosion, we can use methods like making terraces, plowing in curves, and planting special crops to keep the soil in place. Taking care of our soil is super important for farming and keeping our environment healthy.

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/soil-erosion-101 (photo)

Effective Strategies to Stopping Soil Erosion

1. Plant vegetation: Planting trees, shrubs, and grasses helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Their roots hold the soil in place and absorb excess water.

https://www.arboroperations.com.au/media-centre/how-to-plant-a-tree-step-by-step/amp/ (photo)

2. Practice contour farming: Instead of planting crops in straight rows, contour farming involves planting along the natural contours of the land. This helps to slow down water runoff and reduce erosion.

https://www.agrifarming.in/contour-farming-guide-what-is-contour-farming-how-to-start-from-scratch-for-beginners (photo) 

3. Implement terracing: Terracing involves creating level platforms on sloped land to prevent water from flowing downhill and eroding the soil. It helps to slow down water runoff and allows it to soak into the ground.

https://www.greener.land/index.php/product/terracing/ (photo)

4. Use mulch and cover crops: Applying mulch and planting cover crops like legumes or grasses helps to protect the soil from the impact of raindrops and wind, reducing erosion.

http://cwejournal.org/volIssuenoMining/mulching-techniques-to-conserve-the-soil-water-and-advance-the-crop-production-a-review (photo)

5. Avoid overgrazing: Proper management of grazing animals is essential to prevent overgrazing, which can lead to soil compaction and erosion. Rotate grazing areas and provide ample rest periods for the land to recover.

https://agbenyuie.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/over-grazing/ (photo)


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