Retaining walls can be used to help control soil erosion.
Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs when soil is washed away by running water, blown away by wind, or removed by human activities such as cultivation. This process is considered essential for the formation of a new soil. Unfortunately, due to poor agricultural practices, along with wind storms and excessive rainfall, erosion can be accelerated. When this occurs, agricultural areas and the environment as a whole can be compromised. Complications of soil erosion can include a reduction in soil quality at the site of erosion and contaminated waterways elsewhere.
In mountainous terrain, terrace farming helps prevent soil erosion.
Natural soil erosion, also known as bottom erosion or geological erosion, has played an important role in soil formation for at least 450 million years. Geological erosion consists of natural elements, such as water or ice, wind or gravity, gradually wearing down rock formations to create soil. This slow process is said to remove dirt at almost the same rate as it forms.
Natural soil erosion, also known as bottom erosion or geological erosion, has played an important role in soil formation for at least 450 million years.
When soil is depleted faster than it is created, this is known as accelerated erosion. Unlike geological soil erosion, which is generally considered beneficial, accelerated erosion can have a detrimental effect on the environment and agriculture. This process is usually caused by human activities, such as over-cultivation by farmers and over-grazing by animals, irrigation, deforestation, and urbanization.
Two of the main problems of soil erosion are the decrease in soil quality and the increase in contamination of water courses. The top layers of soil are considered the richest in nutrients and also help retain water. When these layers erode, vegetation can be deprived of essential nutrients and moisture. The eroded soil can move to other places, causing environmental complications. When this soil moves into waterways, it can lead to disturbances in lake ecosystems, sedimentation in dams, and contaminants in drinking water.
Since soil erosion can have a negative impact on agriculture and the environment, soil conservation is considered essential. Several methods can help prevent erosion. Some of the most widely used include contour ploughing, crop rotation and terracing along slopes. In residential areas, one of the most common forms of erosion control is to plant trees or flowers in the affected area. Other methods include covering the area with compost or nutrient-rich fertilizer and building small retaining walls around garden beds.