Uncovered soils are exposed unprotected to the energy of water during heavy and prolonged rainfall. The water transports the soil irretrievably downhill. As a result, fertile soil is lost, and therefore the yielding capacity on arable land. In addition, the eroded material and the absorbed nutrients and pollutants can pollute neighboring water bodies.
When strong winds hit bare or only poorly covered soil, soil material is stirred up and transported, sometimes over long distances, through the open landscape. The result is the stealthy loss of fertile soil. Neighboring sites and ecosystems can be affected. Also, for people dangerous situations are possible, for example due to impaired visibility.
In September 2015 the United Nations agreed upon the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They contain targets dealing with soil quality, restoration of degraded soil and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. Yet, what options actually exist to estimate soil and land degradation on global level? This has now been examined by a new report.
When heavy rains or strong winds hit uncovered soil, soil material can be transported downslope or through the open landscape. Soil erodes and will be deposited elsewhere. The result is the degradation of fertile soil, which we need as a basis for life. Erosion limits the functions of soils, pollutes water bodies and damages infrastructures.
Tilling prepares fields for crop plant seeding, with the goal of creating optimal conditions for crop growth. But unfortunately, plows and the plowing process can have untoward effects such as soil erosion and compaction.
