10. Soil erosion

 

The soil constitutes minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur and inorganic salts like sulphates, phosphates, carbonates. It also contains organic matter such as humus and living organisms like bacteria, fungi, insects (ants and beetles), earthworms, rodents and plant roots. The soil also acts as a habitat for animals.

 

 

So now arises a question. What happens when external agents remove the soil? What is the phenomenon called?  

It results in a significant loss of humus and nutrients a decrease in  soil fertility. Since soil erosion takes away the fertile layer of soil, this makes the soil infertile and unsuitable for plant growth. Soil erosion is more severe in little or no surface vegetation such as barren lands or deserts.

 

Soil erosion is a continuous process that can occur slowly or at an alarming rate. It results in topsoil erosion, ecological deterioration, and soil collapse etc.