Human Activity That Increases Soil Erosion

Question 1

Removal of vegetation

Answer 1

Gets rid of the natural windbreak

Question 2

Ploughing vulnerable soils

Answer 2

Exposes particles to erosion

Question 3

Overgrazing

Answer 3

Vegetation eaten faster than it grows
• soil exposed
• root damage by hooves

Question 4

Reduced soil biota

Answer 4

• Detrivores break down DOM into plant nutrients

• Decomposition produces humus which increase adhesion between soil particles

• Worms aerate the soil; increase drainage and infiltration capacity

Question 5

Soil compaction

Answer 5

Heavy farm machinery compacts soil; smaller interstitial spaces
—> Reduces infiltration
—> More runoff and erosion

Question 6

Cultivating soil slopes

Answer 6

Water from SRE flows more rapidly down steeper slopes; more erosion