Poor Farming Practices•Exposing bare soil to wind and rainfall increases soil erosion.•Plowing parallel to slopes•Overgrazing by domestic animals

DeforestationConstruction

The economic cost of soil erosion in the U.S. has been estimated as $44 billion a year.

Reduction of top soil depth impairs the lands productivity

Sediment creates muddy or turbid lakes and streams

Sediment fills ponds, lakes, reservoirs and waterways

Erosion can cause undermining and structural damage to buildings, roads and other structures.

Terracing prevents rapid surface run-off & soil erosion

Contour plowing across a slope following its elevation contour lines.

The rows formed have the effect of slowing water run-off during rainstorms and allows for percolation.

•Growing crops from year to year without tilling the soil.•Known as “chemical farming”

Terracing, cover crops and retaining walls in Machu Picchu, Peru. Built about 1450

 

Cellular Confinement Systems