Figure 25 – Gully erosion

The lowest soil erosion rate is found in undisturbed forests. However, once forest land is converted to agriculture, erosion rates increase because of vegetation removal, over-grazing, and tilling. Vegetation cover reduces erosion. Living and dead plant biomass reduces soil erosion by intercepting and dissipating raindrops and wind energy. Plant roots physically bind particles, thus stabilising the soil and increasing its resistance to erosion. The uptake of water by plant roots also depletes the soil water content and thereby further increases infiltration rates.

Land use practices such as agricultural and pastoral activities are causes of soil erosion. Croplands are vulnerable because the soil is repeatedly tilled and left without a protective cover of vegetation. Excessive grazing by animals lead to poor vegetation cover and thus, enhances wind and water-led soil erosion processes. Over-irrigation results into removal of top nutrient soil with excess water. It also brings salts to the surface and destroys fertility. Without proper humus, addition of chemical fertilizer hardens the soil.