Soil Erosion and Land Degradation

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to soil erosion and land degradation, focusing on definitions, processes, and impacts.

What is land degradation?

A reduction in the capacity of land to provide ecosystem goods and perform functions and services that support society and nature.

What is desertification?

The spreading of desert-like conditions that disrupt semiarid and arid ecosystems.

How many hectares are linked to land degradation?

About 2.5 billion hectares.

What are the main causes of soil degradation?

Deforestation, agricultural activities, overgrazing, industrialization, and overexploitation for fuelwood.

What is soil erosion?

The wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice, or other geological agents.

What conditions lead to soil erosion?

Erosion is slight from well-covered soils but is enormous from steep, poorly covered soils exposed to rainfall or strong winds.

What is biological soil degradation?

Loss of soil biological diversity along with depletion of soil organic matter and microbial biomass.

What are the types of chemical degradation of soil?

Nutrient depletion, salinization, dispersion/alkalization, acidification, and toxic contamination.

Why is soil conservation important?

It protects land, prevents erosion, preserves soil nutrients, and helps restore nutrients in the soil.

What is accelerated erosion?

Erosion that occurs much more rapidly as a result of human or animal activities disturbing soil and vegetation.

What are examples of geological erosion features?

Canyons, buttes, river valleys, deltas, plains, and pediments.

What are the effects of well aggregated soils?

They resist erosion compared to pulverized silts and fine sands which are easily eroded.