Table 19.1: (continued)Source of Erosion Strategies for Prevention
Building Construction- Avoid building on steep hills
- Grade surrounding land to distribute
water rather than collecting it in one
place - Where water collects, drain to creeks
and rivers - Landscape with plants that minimize
erosion
Lesson Summary
- Soil erosion is a natural process, but human activities have greatly accelerated soil
erosion. - We accelerate erosion through agriculture, grazing, logging and mining, development,
and recreation. - Soil is an important natural resource necessary for plant growth and should be kept
safe from erosion as much as possible. - There are many ways that we can slow down or prevent erosion, but practicing these
involves making decisions about how we use land resources. It also requires striking a
balance between economic needs and the needs of the environment.
Review Questions
- Many farmers harvest their crops in the fall and then let the leftover plant material
stay on the ground over winter. How does this help prevent erosion? - List five ways human activity has accelerated soil erosion.
- How do urban areas contribute to soil erosion?
- What is the connection between poverty and soil erosion in developing countries?
- What is one way you can prevent soil erosion when you are hiking?
- You often see stone barriers or cage-like materials set up along coastal shores and river
banks. How do you think these serve to prevent erosion? Why are areas like this prone
to erosion? - How can your own activities affect the environment, especially soil erosion?
- What can we do to help solve environmental problems in developing countries? What
responsibility do you have to help solve this problem?