Soil erosion is a global phenomenon. Accelerated erosion is worr ying because the loss of soils affects our ability to grow crops (Inset 1), but also because the eroded soil damages lakes, dams, rivers, buildings and roads. Even in the temperate climate of Britain, soil erosion occurs regularly on steeper slopes, on erodible soils, under crops vulnerable to erosion and where unwise farming methods are practised.
In the uplands, soil erosion mainly results from overgrazing and footpath wear and tear. A more worrying problem is water erosion on arable land in the lowlands. Serious erosion can occur during wet winters, and as a result of summer downpours. In dry years people tend to forget that there is a continuing risk of erosion.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
