Preventing Soil Erosion
Though you may not be employed in agriculture, you benefit from agricultural activities every time you eat or pull on a pair of jeans. Perhaps you are awaiting the construction of a new shopping center or highway through your town. By relying on these agricultural and construction services, you indirectly contribute to soil erosion. This does not necessarily mean that these activities should be stopped—in fact, many of the causes of erosion are necessary parts of producing human needs and wants. With careful land management, we can slow down erosion and keep it at a safe level. Good management practices are essential to preventing the ultimate consequence of erosion, desertification.
Look at each image and see if you can think of some preventative land management practices. Then click each image to see some good practices.
AGRICULTURE |
SLASH AND BURN |
GRAZING ANIMALS |
LOGGING |
CONSTRUCTION |
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES |
Question to ponder: Are there any other ways that you directly or indirectly impact soil erosion? How can you avoid these?
