Efects of soil erosion on agricultural land: a curent global and national analysis

Abstract

Loss of soil through erosion on agriultural land is a widespread problem, reducing primarily the productivity of all natural ecosystems as well as agricultural ecosystems, forests and pastures. In parallel with population growth, soil erosion, water availability, climate change, biodiversity loss are considered as the main environmental issues around the world. Although soil erosion along the geological era occurred at a slow pace in natural ecosystems, the cumulative impact on soil quality over billions of years has been significant. However, even soil erosion with low annual rates over, the years can lead to the displacement of enormous quantities of soil. Soil erosion has been recognized as a major problem that threatens the sustainability of agriculture for a long time, and the magnitude of the problem can be properly assessed. The direct effects of erosion are not limited only to damage to agriculture. The sediment produced by erosion also pollutes water flows with sediments and nutrients, thereby reducing water quality.