SOIL EROSION

Maria Caballero- 7731228Antonio Jimenez- 6937695

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WHAT IS SOIL EROSION? The movement of soil components,

especially surface litter and top soil, from one place to another. (Miller 279)

Interesting Fact: About half of the original topsoil has been lost to erosion in the past 200 years. (Arms 386)

Land degredation occurs when natural or human induced processes decrease the future ability of land to support crops, livestock, or wild species. (Miller 279)

HOW IS SOIL EROSION CAUSED? Erosion is mainly caused because of

flowing water and wind. (Miller 279) When top soil has been loosened due

to human behavior, wind and water move the topsoil to other areas.

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WHY IS SOIL EROSION CAUSED? Soil erosion is caused because of forest

clearing, agriculture, ranching and construction. (Spark Notes-Soil section)

These activities expose the soil to wind and water, causing soil erosion.

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WHY IS SOIL EROSION CAUSED? Irrigation causes salinization and water logging.

(Miller 283) Salinization is the accumulation of salt due to the

annual application of irrigated water. Salinization lowers crop yields which kills plants and ruins the land. (Miller 283)

Water logging: When farmers apply large amounts of irrigated water they cause the water to accumulate underground. (Miller 283)

The accumulated water envelops the roots of plants causing them to die after long exposure. (Miller 284)

EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION? Soil erosion has two major harmful

effects. (Miller 279) Areas that have been cleared become

unsuitable and inhabitable. If soil is eroded and has been fertilized

with inorganic chemicals, it can pollute water ways.

EFFECTS OF SOIL EROSION? Desertification: land becomes semi-

arid. (Arms 386) The Dust Bowl- 1930’s

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SOIL CONSERVATION Soil conservation reduces the loss of

nutrients (Miller 285) Farmers plow and then breakup the

land and smooth the soil to make a planting surface. (Miller 284)

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SOIL CONSERVATION A way to help soil conservation is by

adding organic matter such as manure and leaves. (Arms 388)

Shelter Belts help slow down the wind. (Foresman and Wesley 312)

Terracing helps retain water for crops. (Miller 284)

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TOP 5 Soil erosion is the movement of topsoil and

surface litter from one place to another. Soil erosion is increased by human behaviors

that expose the soil to wind and water. The effects of soil erosion include the infertility

of land and the possible pollution of water. One of the major effects of soil erosion is the

Dust Bowl in the 1930’s Soil conservation reduces the loss of soil

nutrients.