What Problems Does Soil Erosion Cause?

Soil Quality Degradation

• Soil erosion has devastating consequences for the quality of soil needed to grow crops, which can lead to scarce harvests and higher food costs. When erosion occurs, nutrient-rich top soil is washed away, according to the Queensland Government Environment and Resource Management. Topsoil is rich in nutrients and organic matter and is vital to raising strong, healthy crops. As it takes 1,000 years for the Earth to produce less than 1/2 inch worth of topsoil, its accelerated loss is a serious problem.

Environmental Refugees

• Large-scale soil erosion can wash away towns and villages and otherwise shrink areas where people once lived, rendering them homeless. The United Nations predicts that millions of people could become "environmental refugees" due to problems like soil erosion destroying their homes and reducing the amount of livable land. The problem often goes hand in hand with environmental exploitation, as seen in countries like the Ivory Coast and Madagascar, which have lost tons of land and soil.

Water Source Damage

• When soil erodes and washes away, it negatively impacts nearby water sources and often renders them unusable. Sediment from soil erosion clogs ditches, blocking drainage and leaves deposits of silt in reservoirs, according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Such silt and dirt damages water quality, making once potable sources unfit for consumption. Spawning sites for fish can be overcome as well, making it impossible for them to breed as normal and reducing their numbers.

Structural Loss and Damage

• A fasting moving wave of silty, muddy water due to soil erosion can sweep in and do serious damage to land, and therefore, buildings and other structures. Bridges, roads and homes are damaged by soil erosion, either by the force of water and silt or when the ground that serves as their foundation breaks down and is washed away. If such events occur when these structures are in use, people may be injured or killed.