Impacts of Growth on Ecosystems

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna

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when the amount of topsoil lost exceeds that of new soil formed through the gradual decomposition of organic matter

desertification

the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture

Overgrazing

Overgrazing occurs when plants are exposed to intensive grazing for extended periods of time, or without sufficient recovery periods. Overgrazing is the most significant contributor to soil degradation, placing pressure on plant populations, stream bank stability, and riparian habitats.

Soil erosion

The wearing away of the topsoil layer is known as soil erosion. Beyond the loss of agricultural land, soil erosion has other negative repercussions. In streams and rivers, it has increased pollution and sedimentation, blocking these waterways and resulting in a loss of fish and other species. Additionally, deteriorated soils are frequently less able to retain water, which can make floods worse.

Sheet Erosion

The uniform erosion of substrate over a large region is referred to as sheet erosion or sheet wash. It can be found in a variety of environments, including beaches, savanna plains, hillslopes, floodplains, coastal plains, and semi-arid plains.

Mulch-till

Mulch-till is a type of soil management system used in agriculture. The basic idea behind mulch-till is to maintain a layer of organic material (such as leaves, straw, or grass clippings) on the soil surface, which acts as a protective cover and helps to conserve soil moisture and reduce erosion. The entire field is tilled before planting, with crop residue partially incorporated into the soil.

Strip-till

Strip-till is a type of conservation tillage system used in agriculture. It involves creating narrow strips of tillage in the soil, typically 6 to 12 inches wide, where the crops will be planted. This type of tillage is performed with special equipment and can require the farmer to make multiple trips, depending on the strip-till implement used, and field conditions. Fields are tilled only in narrow raised rows to be planted; the remainder is left with residue.

No-till

Crops are planted in an undisturbed residue of the former crop on a field without tilling. No-till farming has several advantages, including enhancing soil health and lowering annual labor and fuel costs.

Growing crops or grazing without disturbing the soil through tillage is known as no-till farming. Particularly in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain, no-till farming reduces the amount of soil erosion that tillage generates.

Ridge-till

Ridge-till is a type of conservation tillage system used in agriculture. It involves creating raised ridges in the soil, typically 6 to 12 inches high and 24 to 36 inches apart, where the crops will be planted. The ridges are formed by using specialized tillage equipment, such as a ridge-till cultivator or a bed-former

Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage is a farming practice that minimizes soil disturbance and helps to conserve soil moisture, protect soil structure, and reduce erosion. This is achieved by using techniques such as reduced tillage, mulching, and crop residue management, which leave more plant residue on the soil surface and protect it from the impact of tillage operations and weather. Conservation tillage has been shown to be an effective way to improve soil health and fertility, conserve natural resources, and reduce the need for fertilizer, herbicides, and other inputs.

The Food Security Act of 1985 (also known as the 1985 Farm Bill)

a piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress to provide support for farmers and ensure the availability of a safe and affordable food supply for American consumers. The act created the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Farmers were compensated for taking highly erodible or environmentally sensitive land out of production for 10 to 15 years; which yielded a 19-tons per acre reduction in soil loss. It allowed for the development of grassy strips at the low end of fields to filter soil particles or plant windbreaks.

Deforestation

Deforestation refers to the removal of forests and the destruction of their ecosystems, typically for purposes such as agriculture, urbanization, mining, or logging. Deforestation can have significant impacts on the environment, including soil erosion, loss of habitat for forest species, reduced water quality, decreased carbon sequestration, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation also has social and economic consequences, including the displacement of indigenous communities and the loss of valuable resources, such as timber, non-timber forest products, and medicinal plants.

Desertification

Desertification is land degradation in arid, semiarid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from climatic variations and human activities. It results in the loss of productivity of the land, making it increasingly difficult for people and wildlife to live there. This can lead to a decline in biodiversity, food and water insecurity, and the displacement of local communities.