Human activities increasing soil erosion

Vegetation removal

Removes natural windbreak, protection against rain splash erosion, soil-binding roots, and reduces infiltration of water into the soil

Why is vegetation important in reducing soil erosion?

• Natural windbreak

• Vegetation cover and leaf litter reduce rain splash erosion

• Roots and humus bind soil together

• Increase rate of infiltration of water

Ploughing vulnerable soils

Breaks up soil structure, exposing soil particles to erosion by water or wind

Overgrazing

Removal of vegetation faster than it can grow, and disturbance and root damage by hooves

Ploughing, reducing soil organic matter, use of agrochemicals

Reduction of living organisms in the soil

Why are soil biota important?

• Detritivores and decomposers: break down DOM, releasing plant nutrients → increased vegetation cover

• Decomposition: produces humus → increases adhesion between soil particles

• Worms: aerate the soil, increasing soil drainage rates + infiltration capacity

Use of heavy farm machinery, high livestock densities, reduced soil detritivores

Soil compaction → reduced infiltration rate → surface runoff more likely

Cultivating steep slopes

Surface runoff water flows more rapidly down steeper slopes