Soil And Soil Erosion - Causes Of Soil Erosion

Question 1

What are the human agents of erosion (4)?

Answer 1

1. Deforestation - when trees are removed soil is no longer protected from heavy rains. Rain splash loosens soil and runoff carries soil away.
2. Ploughing downslope - when farmers use steep land and they plough downslope it is easier for run off to carry soil.
3. Over-cropping - planting the same soil over and over with out letting the soil rest all humus will be used up and soil will become sandy which can blown away.
4. Overgrazing- when vegetation cover is often eaten it leaves the soil exposed to wind and runoff.

Question 2

Animal agent of soil erosion?

Answer 2

When animals walk they compact the soil and kill the roots of plants creating a track. When it rains water cant soak into ground and channels can be deepened and widened into gullies or dongas.

Question 3

Physical processes as agents off erosion?

Answer 3

Desertification decreases vegetation cover and degrades the soil leading to soil erosion.