Introduction
Weathered rocks, mineral particles, organic material, air, and water make up soil matter. The material provides the necessary nutrients for plants and organisms to grow. Soil formation is a gradual weathering of rocks due to physical agents like wind and water and chemical reactions such as oxidation-reduction. The progressive movement and transport of the upper layer of soil, primarily due to water and wind, is known as soil erosion.
The significant causes of soil erosion include deforestation and unsustainable farming practices that leave the ground exposed to natural soil erosion elements (Adams). The soil horizons are labeled O-R from top to bottom and include the humus layer, accumulation layer, subsoil, regolith, and bedrock layer (Roundy). The three leading human causes of soil degradation are deforestation, overgrazing of farm animals, and excessive synthetic fertilizers (Roundy). Deforestation deprives the soil of nutrients and binding elements provided by fallen leaves leading to erosion. Overgrazing of farms depletes pastures and grass cover, resulting in soil erosion and deterioration. Excessive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient imbalance which affects crop growth leading to erosion.
Soil Conservation Methods
Contour farming entails growing crops parallel to the land in slope territories to prevent soil erosion by slowing water flows down the slope. No-till farming entails leaving crops at the farm at the end of the season, thus helping to prevent erosion. Terrace farming slows the water flow through artificial terraces, thus preventing soil erosion by water (Adams). Crop rotation helps soil conservation by improving the soil structure with different root systems. Planting cover crops helps avoid bare soils and prevent soil erosion due to bare land. Strip cropping entails combining low-growing crops with high-growing crops to act as wind protection against soil erosion.
Reflection on Healthy soil and Climate Change
Soil is an essential aspect of agriculture as it provides plants with the nutrients, water, and oxygen they require to grow. As a result, healthy soils are a prerequisite for healthy living based on the quality of plant nutrients in foods people consume. Plant nutrients make up most of the human diet; thus, the lack of these nutrients from foods grown on barren soil can significantly affect my health.
Healthy soils are a significant factor in reducing the effects of climate change as they store more carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a harmful gas that degrades the environment when in large quantities. Soil rich in nutrients can break down carbon into vital minerals, thus reducing climate change’s effects on human life (Simpson). Healthy soils serve as net subtractors of carbon to the atmosphere, increasing oxygen supply and improving quality of life.
My most significant contribution is activism to demand the switch to farming practices that promote soil health. These modern farming practices include reducing tillage, planting cover crops, and leaving crop residue on the soil surface to prevent soil erosion. In addition, planting trees is a viable way of reducing the greenhouse gas effect as plants appropriate the gas from the atmosphere. Community service to help plant trees can help in increasing forest cover and reducing the impact of climate change.
Conclusion
Soil is an integral part of human life as it determines one’s quality of life. The health of the soil is reduced by erosion and degradation due to human activities, including unsustainable farming practices and deforestation. Farming practices that reduce the effect of soil degradation include contour farming, terraces, crop rotation, and no-till farming. Activism associated with planting trees is a viable way one can reduce the effect of soil degradation and climate change.
Works Cited
Adams, Troy. “What Is Soil Erosion? – Causes, Impacts and Types of Soil Erosion.” GRT, 2021, Web.
The website page by Global Road Technology discusses soil erosion regarding the causes, impact, and types. The website highlights that soil erosion is second only to population growth as the world’s biggest environmental problem and thus is a key issue.
Roundy, Darrell. “What Is Soil Deterioration.” Granite Seed and Erosion Control, 2019, Web.
The website by Granite Seed talks about land reclamation and erosion control. The source highlights the causes of soil degradation and its prevention measures.
Simpson, April. “Soil Health Can Combat Climate Change from the Ground Up.” Pewtrusts, 2019, Web.
The Pew Trust Organization website showcases how soil management can avert disasters such as floods and droughts. The source highlights the U.S. is using soil health as a preventative measure of climate change.