What are some effects of soil erosion?

Question

plzz help.. anyone no some effects of soil erosion need to know ergently plz help :(

Answer 1

The main on-site impact is the reduction in soil quality which results from the loss of the nutrient-rich upper layers of the soil, and the reduced water-holding capacity of many eroded soils. In affluent areas of the world, accelerated water erosion’s on-site effects upon agricultural soils can be mitigated by increased use of artificial fertilizers; however this is not an option for much of the earth’s population.

Erosion’s removal of the upper horizons of the soil results in a reduction in soil quality i.e. a diminution of the soil’s suitability for agriculture or other vegetation. This is because the eroded upper horizons tend to be the most nutrient-rich. Also, because the finest constituents of eroded soil tends to be transported furthest, eroded soils become preferentially depleted of their finer fraction over time; this often reduces their water-holding capacity. In other words, “Erosion removes the cream of the soil”. Increased use of artificial fertilizers may to an extent, and for a time, compensate for erosion-induced loss of soil quality where economic circumstances are favorable. This is not usually feasible in developing countries however. Loss of soil quality is a long-term problem; globally, soil erosion's most serious impact may well be its threat to the long-term sustainability of agricultural productivity, which results from the the 'on-site' damage which it causes.

In addition to its on-site effects, the soil that is detached by accelerated water or wind erosion may be transported considerable distances. This gives rise to 'off-site problems'.



China's Yangtze River at the Three Gorges, in Hubei province. Note the sediment-rich water. (Source of photo: unknown)  



Water erosion’s main off-site effect is the movement of sediment and agricultural pollutants into watercourses. This can lead to the silting-up of dams, disruption of the ecosystems of lakes, and contamination of drinking water. In some cases, increased downstream flooding may also occur due to the reduced capacity of eroded soil to absorb water.

Answer 2

Damaged soil is infertile and unable to support plant or animal life.Erosion,a natural weathering process in which rain and wind erode soil from the land,can cause such damage.Human activity,such as over farming can also cause soil damage.

In some places water washes soil minerals down through the soil,depleting the top-soil of nutrients.

In wet areas,clay particles may be washed through the soil,coating the grains beneath and dampening the soil.

On steep slopes,soil often creeps slowly downhill over the years.Hillside trees show the soil's movement