If soil quality is stable or improving, we have a good indicator that the ecosystem is sustainable. If soil quality is deteriorating, the larger ecosystem will almost certainly decline with it (Wilken 1995, Mirzamoatafa et al.1998). .
Many conservation efforts are being taken to control soil erosion. In order to do this a universal language is need to measure soil erosion, texture, and the potential for erosion. Soil loss tolerance ("T") is the amount of a given soil that can be displaced by water or wind erosion each year and be replenished through natural soil regeneration processes. This is a basis for evaluating the impacts of soil erosion and develops objectives for conservation treatment. Erosion at rates greater than T is a special concern because it threatens agricultural sustainability. .
Enrichment Ratios (ER) often used as a measure of the nutrients available for soil. It is a ratio of the intrinsic potential for soil displacement from erosion to the "T" limit (Baffaut et al 1998).
From 1991 to 1992 in Central Kenya's highlands, these formulas were used to monitor runoff, soil loss, and enrichments of eroded soil material. Annual rainfall was 948 and 1125 mm for 1991 and 1992. Soil loss ranged from 0.8 to 247.3 tons, and runoff ranged from 1 to 89 mm. The enrichment ratios (ER) were [greater than or equal to] 1 and sediments were mostly enriched with P and Na. The P and Na concentrations were 4 to 10 and 2 to 3 times the source material. Sediment from the plots was 247 to 936% richer in P than the soil from which it originated. Too much P can have negative effects on the plant and wildlife surrounding it. Changes in soil pH, percentage organic C, and percentage total N following erosion were significantly correlated with cumulative soil loss (r values of 0.77, 0.59, and 0.71, n = 20). The data indicated that the unbalancing of nutrients in the soil is due to erosion, and one of the major causes of soil fertility depletion of Kenyan soils (Gachene et.
Soil erosion is not one of the most sought after conservation movements today. ... Soil erosion is significant, however, for various reasons. ... Additionally, soil erosion affects farming and pollution. Soil erosion can occur from winds, water and improper farming techniques. ... Wind erosion is the most obvious form of soil degradation. ...
Human activity, on the other hand, greatly increases the rate of soil erosion. Water plays an important role in soil erosion. ... Without human activities, losses of soil through erosion would in most areas probably be balanced by the formation of new soil. ... However, this organic sequence is disturbed by manmade activities and soil erosion which cause the soil to deteriorate. ... Erosion attacks the moisture-bearing ability of soils and adds deposits to waterways. ...
Thus, it is important to prevent erosion. However, the urbanization, surface mining and land clearance of recent years has led to an increase in erosion. Although erosion is a natural process, it has been accelerated by man ever since the day the first settlers arrived to cut and burn trees to make room for crops. After detecting that millions of tons of soil were lost during this period, one might think that Kentuckians would strive to make the state more soil-friendly, and while some have made noteworthy attempts to save our soil, others have knowingly increased erosion by cutting down...
When the SSSA was created, scientist knew very little about the science behind soil, and to be more specific, top soil. ... Phillippe Boveye states that soils are still very much a frontier science. There is a lot to learn from past experiences of drought and top soil erosion. ... And that once the sod that was placed on top of the soil was gone the soil would soon be gone as well due to the high winds. ... From all the other sources improper farming techniques, major droughts, large dust clouds, and top soil erosion are the four main causes of the difficulties during the 1930's related t...
Bare, unprotected soil is extremely vulnerable to wind erosion. Erosion occurs with strong, turbulent winds blowing across a soil surface that is smooth, loose, dry and finely granulated. ... Slightly larger soil particles bounce or roll along soil surface. The most effective wind erosion control measure is to maintain cover on the soil surface throughout the year (Sirios 1). ... If erosion persists, a second chiseling operation may be needed. ...
These environmental issues are erosion, salinity and siltation. ... Although grazing was banned in 1969, erosion and siltation has remained a problem. It is evident with 50 sq km of unusable land caused by erosion are left behind and in other areas soil to a depth of 60cm is loss. ... The clearing out of trees, break up the soil which can lead to erosion. ... The fertility of the soil decreases as silt flows on farms and river flats. ...
These land uses led to soil exposure and great erosion. ... The soil had become exhausted. ... Wind erosion blew away the dry and denuded soil and created clouds of dust that could be seen hundreds of miles away. ... The roots would help prevent further erosion. ... Their lack of knowledge and poor agricultural practices led to the erosion of the Prairies on a massive scale. ...
Soil erosion is a natural process. ... Erosion is the wearing away of soil and rock materials. Erosion involves loosening material and transporting it to another place. Water erosion happens little bits at a time, one raindrop can hit the soil with the force of a tiny meteorite, scattering the soil a couple of centimeters. Erosion by wind happens when the wind has picked up grains of dust, soils and sand and is transported to somewhere else. ...
Producers can't live without soil. ... This process, called erosion normally occurs very slowly. But people have greatly increased the rate of soil erosion by removing natural vegetation to clear land for construction projects, mining operations, or farmland. ... Thus, fewer soil particles are washed away. ... If it weren't for soil, we would all starve to death. ...
