[GGH1502] - SEMESTER 2
[Assignment 02: 660672]
Studente Nommer: 53043480
Ps. N M PALMER
, INTRODUCTION
Soil is the earth’s fragile skin that anchors all life on Earth. Comprised of countless species
that create a dynamic and complex ecosystem and among the most precious resources to
humans. Increased demand for agriculture commodities generates incentives to convert
forests and grasslands to farm fields and pastures.
Erosion is a process of detachment and transportation of soil materials by wind or water. It
is a natural geomorphological process that occurs on most of the world’s land surface, with
the principal exception of those areas on which soil eroded from elsewhere is deposited.
Since water is the dominant agent causing erosion in South Africa, it is the focus of this
review. Water erosion can occur through rain splash, in unconcentrated flow as sheet
erosion, or in concentrated flow as rill and/or gully erosion. Since soil erosion infrequently
occurs in dramatic events, perception of its seriousness, measurement of its progress and
persuasion of the need to take ameliorative action are not always regarded as a priority.
VARIABLES THAT INFLUENCE EROSION
Factors That Influence Erosion and Runoff:
SOIL LANDSCAPE
● texture ● steep slopes
● wetness ● field size and valley features
● structure ● proximity of watercourses
● soil surface roughness ● field tracks and roads
WEATHER LAND USE
● rainfall intensity ● risks associated with crops and livestock
● climate and soils
(Environment Agency thinksoils factors that influence erosion and runoff / soil texture)
▪ The amount and intensity of rainfall; Heavy rainfall have more erosive force than
light showers of rain.
▪ The slope of the land; determines the speed of flowing water and the greater the
speed of water the greater the erosive force
▪ The type of soil; The ability of water to infiltrate into the soil depends on the type of
the soil e.g. sandy soil is quickly saturated with water hence easily eroded
▪ Soil depth; Shallow soils become saturated with water very quickly and are easily
eroded
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