The prevention and control of soil erosion

SOIL EROSION

This refers to the wearing and washing away of the top soil by agents such as man, wind, water.

Factors influencing erosion

Climate

Topography

Vegetation cover

Activities of man

TYPES OF SOIL EROSION

Sheet erosion

This refers to the removal of a layer of topsoil over almost the entire land surface.

Splash erosion

This refers to the removal of the topsoil from a small area via a forceful fall of rain.

Rill erosion

This refers to the removal of the topsoil along narrow tracks or channels via raindrops falling on the soil.

Gully erosion

This refers to the removal of the topsoil by run-off water which has not sunk into the soil. When this occurs continuously, gullies are formed.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SOIL EROSION

Avoiding bush

Avoiding overgrazing

Mulching

Terracing

Strip cropping

Erecting wind and water barriers

Addition of organic matter

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