Effects of Soil Erosion

We’ve all heard the term “soil erosion” in our lives, sometimes in passing, in the news, or while learning about it in the classroom. However, when we start vehemently debating the effects of human activities on the environment -- we tend to forget soil erosion, which can have equally dire consequences.

Before we begin, let’s delve a little into what soil erosion is. Soil erosion, in layman’s terms, is the wearing away of the topmost layer of soil, through the action of water, wind, conversion of vegetated land into farmland, or farming activities like tilling and ploughing. This is supposed to be a natural process. But when we start clearing out forests and cutting trees for commercial purposes, the hold of tree roots on the soil is loosened. Overgrazing causes roots to be pulled out entirely. The use of certain chemicals in agriculture can change soil composition. Suddenly, it becomes much simpler for natural processes to remove the soil. The wind blows away the soil cover, and water washes it away. The ultimate results are quite undesirable.

The removal of valuable topsoil leads to a myriad of problems. Firstly, it leads to the overall poor productivity of the land. Crop growth is impaired, and crop yield is lowered. Seeds and saplings already present in the soil are eroded with it. Any applied manures, fertilisers and pesticides also go to waste. Wind can carry smaller soil particles to nearby fields, where it can damage other crops. Erosion can also ruin pastureland and forest land.

Aside from these events that indirectly harm us-- direct disasters caused due to soil erosion can be devastating. When entire chunks of soil slide down slopes, on highways and paths, they can suffocate and crush vehicles and people alike. These chunks can block rivers and streams, leading to water clogging and flooding as a consequence. It is much harder to protect exposed soil, and fertile land may turn into a wasteland. Draught, desertification, and loss of life become a common occurrence in areas prone to erosion.

But all is not lost just yet. Various soil erosion mitigation methods can be adopted to prevent loss of soil. These include soil mapping, aforestation, and modern methods of farming. These include crop rotation, intercropping, terrace farming and planned application of fertilizers. 

Soil erosion can be catastrophic, but it is still avertible. Precious resources like soil determine our very sustenance. With proper planning and swift action, we can protect our livelihoods and the planet. 

Name: Yashasvini Verma

School: Amity International School, Noida

Class: 10th