The factors contributing to soil erosion are
classified into two major categories viz;
classified into two major categories viz;
1. Physical and Natural
Factors
Factors
2. Anthropogene (Man-made
cause)
cause)
1
.
Physical and Natural
Factors
a)
Climatic Factors: According to Henderson
(2006), the various climate factors that can expose soil to erosion include the
amount and intensity of precipitation, the average temperature as well as
seasonality, wind speed, storm frequency, Carter (2005) opined that heavy
rainfall/runoff are natural phenomenon that cause soil erosion. Heavy rainfall
breaks down soil aggregates materials into smaller particles. Runoff occurs
when there is excessive rainfall causing soil erosion.
Climatic Factors: According to Henderson
(2006), the various climate factors that can expose soil to erosion include the
amount and intensity of precipitation, the average temperature as well as
seasonality, wind speed, storm frequency, Carter (2005) opined that heavy
rainfall/runoff are natural phenomenon that cause soil erosion. Heavy rainfall
breaks down soil aggregates materials into smaller particles. Runoff occurs
when there is excessive rainfall causing soil erosion.
b)
Geological Factors: Carla (2008), states that
the geologic factors that predisposes soil to erosion include the sediment or
rock type, its porosity and permeability, the slope (gradient) of the land and
whether the rock are tilted, faulted, folded or weathered.
Geological Factors: Carla (2008), states that
the geologic factors that predisposes soil to erosion include the sediment or
rock type, its porosity and permeability, the slope (gradient) of the land and
whether the rock are tilted, faulted, folded or weathered.
Soil or resistibility is an establishment of the ability
of soil to resist erosion on the physical nature of each soil. Moreover, the
natural geological type of soil (either clay or loamy sand) can also affect
erodability of the soil.
of soil to resist erosion on the physical nature of each soil. Moreover, the
natural geological type of soil (either clay or loamy sand) can also affect
erodability of the soil.
c Biological Factors: Ojebor
(2006), the physical biological factors that exposes a soil to erosion include
ground cover from vegetation or lack thereof, the type of organism inhabiting
the area and the land use.
(2006), the physical biological factors that exposes a soil to erosion include
ground cover from vegetation or lack thereof, the type of organism inhabiting
the area and the land use.
2 Man-Made
Factors that Cause Erosion.
Factors that Cause Erosion.
The continuous cultivation
of crops on a piece of land, grazing by cattle, deforestation, mining
operation, logging render the land to the effects of erosion, Birkeland (2006),
logging can cause increased erosion rates due to soil compaction, exposure of
mineral. Heavy grazing can reduce vegetation enough to increase erosion.
Vegetation can also change the speed of surface runoff flows, so grasses and
shrubs can also be instrumental in this aspect.
of crops on a piece of land, grazing by cattle, deforestation, mining
operation, logging render the land to the effects of erosion, Birkeland (2006),
logging can cause increased erosion rates due to soil compaction, exposure of
mineral. Heavy grazing can reduce vegetation enough to increase erosion.
Vegetation can also change the speed of surface runoff flows, so grasses and
shrubs can also be instrumental in this aspect.
Henderson (2006), one of the main causes of erosive soil
loss in the year 2006 is the result of splash and burn treatment of tropical
forest. When the total ground surface is stripped of vegetation and then seared
of all living organism, the upper soils are vulnerable to both wind and water.
loss in the year 2006 is the result of splash and burn treatment of tropical
forest. When the total ground surface is stripped of vegetation and then seared
of all living organism, the upper soils are vulnerable to both wind and water.
References
Birkeland, P. W. (2005): Soil and Geomorphology. New
York: Oxford University Press. Pp 52, 70.
York: Oxford University Press. Pp 52, 70.
Carla, W. (2008): Environmental Geology 5th ed, McGraw-Hill Inc.
USA pp 20-22.
USA pp 20-22.
Carta, W. (2005): Coastal Environment, New York Academy Press. Pp 20-19.
Henderson, (2006): “Causes and Effects of
Soil Erosion” Omaff Fact Sheet Index 573.
Soil Erosion” Omaff Fact Sheet Index 573.
Ojobor (2006): Comprehensive Geography for
Senior Secondary School; Johnson A. Publishers, Benin. Pp 155, 188.
Senior Secondary School; Johnson A. Publishers, Benin. Pp 155, 188.