What Is the Threat of Soil Erosion?

Soil Nutrients

• The top layer of soil is normally the most nutrient-rich layer of soil as well. When the top layer of soil erodes, the nutrients in the soil erode with it. Tilling is a primary cause of soil erosion in farming because nutrient-rich soil is churned up and made more vulnerable to being washed or blown away once it is no longer packed solidly into the ground.

Crop Loss

• The result of soil erosion on farmland is that plants and crops do not grow as well, leading to less productive acreage. Fertilizers can make up some of the difference in the less nutritious soil, but the loss of the best quality soil has long term side effects on productivity. In areas where there is already a food shortage, poor crop yields due to soil erosion can exacerbate the problem.

Water Pollution

• When soil erodes from farmlands, the chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides that were sprayed on the soil erode along with the actual dirt. These chemicals are then transported to other locations where they can be potentially harmful to the environment. This is especially true when water erosion causes chemicals to be washed from the soil into water sources, such as lakes, creeks and wetlands. Fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful to the animals and plants that consume the contaminated water that has entered their environment. Soil erosion can be a cause of ground water contamination as well.

Land Loss

• If erosion is severe, a significant amount of land can be lost, causing a reduction in property while expanding gullies, creek beds and beaches. In the case of structures built on the edge of areas that are eroding, serious structural damage can occur if erosion is severe enough to destabilize the foundation. This can be a serious issue for beach- or lake-side residences where the property is eroding into the water.