Effects of Soil Erosion
Effects of Soil Erosion by Farms on the Environment and Some Solutions
Traci Kramer
Harrisburg Area Community College
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………….. Pg 3
Introduction…………………. Pg 4
Causes………………………….. Pg 4-5
Land Affects…………………. Pg 5
Water Affects………………. Pg 5-6
Chemicals…………………….. Pg 6
Lancaster County…………. Pg 6
Prevention…………………… Pg 7
Damage Control…………… Pg 7
Conclusion……………………. Pg 7-8
References…………………… Pg 9
Abstract This paper will go in depth on soil erosion caused by farms. It will primarily look at how soil erosion from farms can affect the environment. The paper will then go in depth with seven supporting questions which include, what causes erosion, how erosion from runoff affects the land, how it affects watersheds, the chemicals that are caused by erosion, how it affects us locally, ways to prevent it, and ways to clean up what has already been done.
Effects of Erosion on the Environment and Some Solutions
Erosion affects each and every individual all over the world. You may be asking yourself how when you do not farm or have anything to do with farming. Well soil erosion can cause a whole lot of problems not just for farmers but for us as well. The soil gets into our rivers and streams and can end up in our drinking water. It can also cause a decrease in grown food. SO the real question is how does soil erosion affect the environment? Because what affects the environment also affects us.
In the United States approximately 90% of all farmland loses topsoil to erosion 17 times faster than it can be replaced (Miller, & Spoolman, 2009). So what causes soil erosion? Soil erosion can be from both nature and man. Some natural ways erosion can be caused include droughts, high winds, large rainfall amounts, flowing water, and soil erodibility. Droughts can cause extremely dry lands which naturally dry out the soil and allows for wind to pick up that soil. Large rainfall amounts can the soil to runoff into streams or other water
Traci Kramer
Harrisburg Area Community College
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………….. Pg 3
Introduction…………………. Pg 4
Causes………………………….. Pg 4-5
Land Affects…………………. Pg 5
Water Affects………………. Pg 5-6
Chemicals…………………….. Pg 6
Lancaster County…………. Pg 6
Prevention…………………… Pg 7
Damage Control…………… Pg 7
Conclusion……………………. Pg 7-8
References…………………… Pg 9
Abstract This paper will go in depth on soil erosion caused by farms. It will primarily look at how soil erosion from farms can affect the environment. The paper will then go in depth with seven supporting questions which include, what causes erosion, how erosion from runoff affects the land, how it affects watersheds, the chemicals that are caused by erosion, how it affects us locally, ways to prevent it, and ways to clean up what has already been done.
Effects of Erosion on the Environment and Some Solutions
Erosion affects each and every individual all over the world. You may be asking yourself how when you do not farm or have anything to do with farming. Well soil erosion can cause a whole lot of problems not just for farmers but for us as well. The soil gets into our rivers and streams and can end up in our drinking water. It can also cause a decrease in grown food. SO the real question is how does soil erosion affect the environment? Because what affects the environment also affects us.
In the United States approximately 90% of all farmland loses topsoil to erosion 17 times faster than it can be replaced (Miller, & Spoolman, 2009). So what causes soil erosion? Soil erosion can be from both nature and man. Some natural ways erosion can be caused include droughts, high winds, large rainfall amounts, flowing water, and soil erodibility. Droughts can cause extremely dry lands which naturally dry out the soil and allows for wind to pick up that soil. Large rainfall amounts can the soil to runoff into streams or other water
References: Agricultural runoff. (2009). Retrieved from http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/locations.php?id=1 Crable, Ad. (2010, January 26). EPA discusses farm inspections. Intelligencer Journal, Desertification Dickson, Despommier. (2009). The Rise of vertical farms. Scientific American, 301(5), Dingfelder, Jackie Okin, Gregory, Parsons, Anthony, Wainwright, John, Herrick, Jeffery, & Peters, Debra. (2009). Do changes in connectivity explain desertification? Soil erosion- causes and effects. (1987). Retrieved from http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/87-040.htm