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Soil erosion

Definition

Soil erosion is the process by which soil is moved or displaced from one location to another, usually due to natural forces like wind and water. It can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, making it difficult for plants to grow.

Analogy

Imagine a heavy rainstorm hitting a hillside covered in loose sand. The rainwater washes away the sand, creating deep channels and leaving behind bare patches. This is similar to how soil erosion occurs when rainfall or strong winds remove layers of soil from an area.

Related terms

Sedimentation: Sedimentation refers to the deposition of eroded soil particles in bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes.

Desertification: Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert-like due to factors like climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Contour plowing: Contour plowing involves plowing fields along the curves of a slope rather than straight up and down. This technique helps prevent soil erosion by reducing water runoff.