Soil Erosion and Control

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to soil erosion and its control based on the lecture notes provided.

Soil Erosion

Detachment and movement of soil particles by the erosive forces of wind and water.

Accelerated Erosion

Rate of soil loss is greater than the rate of soil formation.

Land Degradation

A decline in land quality and productivity, often caused by soil erosion.

Sedimentation

The process in which soil particles are transported and deposited in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Water Erosion

Erosion caused by the impact of raindrops and the subsequent movement of water across the landscape.

Sheet Erosion

Water flowing over the surface and transporting already-detached particles uniformly.

Rill Erosion

Water concentrates into small rivulets, increasing erosional power.

Gully Erosion

Larger channels formed by erosion, with a more defined location.

Vegetation and Erosion

Vegetation intercepts rainfall, protects soil surface, and promotes infiltration, reducing erosion.

Salinization

Concentration of salts in topsoil, often caused by evaporation and poor irrigation practices.

Desertification

Conversion of arid and semiarid lands into desert conditions due to climatic change and human activity.

Human Activities Impacting Erosion

Activities like agriculture, construction, and land use change that alter natural soil processes.

Erosion Control Methods

Strategies such as planting trees, using geotextiles, and applying mulches to reduce soil erosion.

Non-Vegetative Covers

Materials such as mulch and permeable aggregates that help to reduce erosion.