(a) Explain the term soil erosion (b) Write notes on soil erosion under the following...
(a) Explain the term soil erosion
(b) Write notes on soil erosion under the following headings:
(i) causes (ii) effects (iii) methods of prevention
Explanation
(a)The term Soil Erosion is a process whereby the top soil is removed and transported by agents such as water, wind and ice. The types of erosion include gully, sheet, reels etc.
(b)(i) CAUSES:
(i) Deforestation.
(ii) Overgrazing.
(iii) Bush burning.
(iv) Poor farming practices e.g cultivation along slope, shifting cultivation.
(v) Mining and construction.
(vi) Absence of vegetation cover.
(vii) The nature and composition of the soil.
(viii) Steep slopes
(ii) EFFECTS:-
(a) Leads to environmental imbalance.
(b) Constitutes danger to life and property.
(c) Loss of fertile topsoil in farmlands.
(d) Water pollution.
(e) Decline in agricultural productivity.
(f) Huge expenditure to combat erosion.
(g) Complete loss of farmland.
(h) Destruction of roads.
METHODS OF PREVENTION;
(i)station and Re-afforestation.
(ii) Crop rotation.
(iii) Cover cropping.
(iv) Controlled grazing.
(v) ploughing.
(vi) Legislation.
(vii) Strip cultivation.
(viii) Ridge cultivation.
(ix) Urban master plan with good drainage Terracing.