Brown-colored organic substance in different shapes, color and texture can be seen everywhere—gardens, deserts, seashore, forest, etc. Brown, green, blue are the three colors we use to depict the surface of the earth; brown represents the land, blue represents water, and green stands for the plants and trees.
The area covered in brown changes day by day due to climatic changes and human activity.
Soil erosion is one of the common causes of changes in a land’s structure. Erosion refers to the depletion of the top-soil by natural or human activity. Land can be impacted by wind and rain, as the force wears away the top layer of the earth surface. Many other factors contribute to this erosion process like, soil type, location, and slope.
Let’s dig a little deeper about the role slopes play in soil erosion.
Angle of the slope
Steep slopes have a greater impact on soil composition than surfaces with a slight slant. The minerals and organic content present in the soil moves down toward the slope, due to heavy rainfall. Soil erosion is experienced higher in slope with less vegetation. Shrubs and plants with deep roots can be planted to prevent the top soil from eroding.
Strategic plantation is required to keep nutrients from accumulating at the slope. The heavy soil particles, such as gravel, will remain at the top; whereas the nutrient-rich top soil will travel down to the base of the slope.
Length of the slope
Natural elements like gravity, wind, and water play a huge role in soil erosion. A gentle slope may be less prone to erosion, but the slope’s length can prove to be a detrimental factor. Long length allows rain water to build more momentum; the gravitational pull adds more pressure and the water erodes more soil as it runs down the slope.
Planting terrace is an easy solution to this problem; steps created in the soil absorb water, rather than building runoff. Erosion can also be controlled by adding trees along the slope.
Base of the slope
Heavy rainfall accumulates soil particles at the slope’s base. Lightweight particles present in the top soil, such as fine sand, run off from the base as they can easily flow with the water. But heavier particles, like loam, accumulate at the base. Distribution of the nutrients is concentrated at one location—the base—which makes plantation difficult.
To make use of this soil distribution in the best manner, plants that require moisture should be planted at the base. Plants strategically located at the base will limit runoff and erosion, by creating a barrier.
Direction of the sun
So, what role does sun play in all of this?
The sun is a natural source of evaporation; slopes that are south-facing have their moisture controlled with help of the sun’s heat. But too much exposure to the heat can soak the soil’s moisture, leading to erosion. Plants that are drought-friendly should be planted in areas that experience more heat.
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