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The Causes and Effects of Soil Erosion, and How to Prevent It

• restoration
• agriculture
• food security

Soil erosion is agriculture’s enemy: a major environmental threat to sustainability and productivity with knock-on effects on the climate crisis and food security.  

This is particularly true for places with the highest risk of erosion , such as watersheds in Indonesia, India, the Philippines and more. In these areas, protecting against soil erosion through sustainable land management can solve a multitude of problems.

Here’s a deeper look at the causes and solutions to soil erosion:

Why Is Soil Erosion Such a Big Problem?

Soil is a natural resource that may look robust and endless, but is in fact the fragile product of thousands of years of formation. Topsoil, which lies closest to the surface of the land, contains essential nutrients for crops. It is this layer of soil that is endangered by wind and water erosion. Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields. It also sends soil-laden water downstream, which can create heavy layers of sediment that prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly and can eventually lead to flooding. Once soil erosion occurs, it is more likely to happen again.

This is a global problem. Soil is eroding more quickly than it is being formed, causing land to become unsuitable for agriculture – a particularly serious concern in a world where the population is expected to top 9 billion by midcentury. Smarter land management is a necessity.

How Does Soil Erosion Affect Climate Change?

Erosion degrades land, which means it can support fewer plants that can take in climate-warming carbon dioxide. Soils themselves could potentially sequester enough greenhouse gases in a year to equal about 5% of all annual human-made GHG emissions. Better land management can help keep soils intact so they can grow more carbon-sucking vegetation. This is already happening in China, where the Grain-for-Green project in the Yellow River basin conserved soil and water and reduced carbon emissions.     

On the flip side, unchecked climate change can worsen erosion. A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that when cultivated without conservation practices, soil is currently eroding up to 100 times quicker than it’s forming.  The risk of erosion will become even higher in the future due to emissions-driven temperature changes, with resulting decreases in agricultural production, land value and human health.

What Are the Impacts of Soil Erosion?

We’re already seeing the risks of soil erosion play out around the world. Jakarta’s deadly floods earlier this year are a prime example. Eroded sediments from further upstream clogged Jakarta’s rivers and canals, causing them to overflow. Similar erosion-related floods have occurred in many other countries, such as Colombia , India , the Philippines and Democratic Republic of the Congo .

Soil erosion is not only an environmental issue; it also causes huge losses to the economy. One  study  estimated global economic losses from soil erosion to be around $8 billion, due to reduced soil fertility, decreased crop yields and increased water usage. In Java, Indonesia, soil erosion is responsible for a 2% loss in total agricultural GDP , taking into account the losses farmers face directly and the losses others face downstream. Another study showed that soil erosion in Sleman, a district located in Java, costs 17% of an average farmer’s net income per hectare of agricultural land.

The U.S. agricultural sector loses about $44 billion per year from erosion. This value includes lost productivity, along with sedimentation and water pollution. Lost farm income is estimated at $100 million per year. Soil erosion also costs European countries $1.38 billion in annual agricultural productivity losses and $171 million in lost GDP (about 1% of total GDP). South Asia loses $10 billion annually thanks to soil erosion.

What Solutions Exist to Prevent Soil Erosion?

1. use soil-friendly agricultural practices.

Terraced farming needs to be implemented to make hillside agriculture manageable. Terraces prevent erosion and allow more water to flow to crops. In addition, hillside farm fields need full crop cover to help keep the soil in place. This can be accomplished by intercropping, which means growing two crops together in the same field, such as planting rows of maize or soybean between rows of oil palm trees. For smallholders, agroforestry systems where a diverse set of crops, including trees, are grown together can be effective. Access to manure improves the organic matter of the soil, which inhibits erosion. Finally, alternating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted crops improves soil structure and reduces erosion at the same time.

2. Offer Incentives for Land Management

Although the science of sustainable land management has been gaining support, the socio-economic context often makes implementation difficult. Sustainable land practices need to be financially viable for farmers. Anti-erosion measures have a median cost of $500 per hectare , a considerable investment for a farmer. Governments and banks must help farmers get access to credit and support in implementing erosion prevention. This is not only a good deal for the farmer, but for the whole community. The cost of erosion prevention is far lower than the price of land restoration and rehabilitation, which one source estimated to be around $1,500–$2,000 per hectare . Another source found it could reach $15,221 per hectare.

3. Prevention AND Rehabilitation

The key to managing and reducing soil erosion is to rehabilitate already-damaged land , stop further degradation and put erosion-preventative measures at the core of land management policy. In this way, we can help prevent hunger and mitigate the climate crisis.

To learn more about WRI's work restoring eroded soils, click here .

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Roots of prosperity: the economics and finance of restoring land, the road to restoration, how you can help.

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How Trees Prevent Soil Erosion: A Guide for Homeowners

How Do Trees Prevent Soil Erosion?

Trees are essential for a healthy environment. They provide us with oxygen, food, and shelter, and they also help to prevent soil erosion. Soil erosion is the process by which soil is worn away by wind and water, and it can have a devastating impact on the environment. Trees help to prevent soil erosion by anchoring the soil with their roots, and by intercepting rainfall and wind. In this article, we will discuss the role that trees play in preventing soil erosion, and we will explore some of the ways that we can help to protect our trees and our soil.

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How Trees Protect Soil

Trees play a vital role in protecting soil from erosion. Their roots help to anchor the soil in place, and their leaves and branches help to intercept rainfall and reduce runoff. Trees also provide shade, which reduces evaporation and helps to keep the soil moist. In addition, trees create a favorable environment for soil organisms, which help to break down organic matter and improve soil structure.

Trees Anchor Soil with Their Roots

The roots of trees help to anchor the soil in place and prevent it from being washed away by water or wind. Tree roots are very strong and can extend deep into the soil. They help to hold the soil together and prevent it from being eroded.

Trees Intercept Rainfall and Reduce Runoff

Trees intercept rainfall and help to reduce runoff. When rain falls on a forest, the leaves and branches of the trees slow down the water and allow it to soak into the soil. This helps to prevent flooding and erosion.

Trees Provide Shade, Which Reduces Evaporation

Trees provide shade, which helps to reduce evaporation. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas. When water evaporates, it leaves the soil and can be carried away by wind or water. Trees help to reduce evaporation by providing shade, which keeps the soil cooler and moister.

Trees Create a Favorable Environment for Soil Organisms

Trees create a favorable environment for soil organisms, which help to break down organic matter and improve soil structure. Soil organisms include bacteria, fungi, and insects. These organisms help to break down organic matter, which releases nutrients into the soil. They also help to improve soil structure by creating tunnels and pores that allow air and water to move through the soil.

The Effects of Soil Erosion

Soil erosion can have a number of negative effects on the environment, including:

• Loss of productivity: Soil erosion can lead to a loss of productivity, as the topsoil is the most fertile layer of soil. When topsoil is eroded, it can take many years for it to be replaced.
• Flooding and sedimentation: Soil erosion can cause flooding and sedimentation. When soil is eroded, it can be carried away by water and deposited in other areas, such as rivers and streams. This can cause flooding and sedimentation, which can damage property and infrastructure.
• Damage to infrastructure: Soil erosion can damage infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and dams. When soil is eroded, it can cause these structures to collapse or become unstable.
• Contribution to climate change: Soil erosion can contribute to climate change. When soil is eroded, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change.

Trees play a vital role in protecting soil from erosion. Their roots help to anchor the soil in place, their leaves and branches help to intercept rainfall and reduce runoff, and they provide shade, which reduces evaporation and helps to keep the soil moist. In addition, trees create a favorable environment for soil organisms, which help to break down organic matter and improve soil structure. By protecting soil from erosion, trees help to maintain the productivity of our land and protect our environment from the harmful effects of flooding, sedimentation, and climate change.

Trees play a vital role in preventing soil erosion. Their roots help to hold soil in place, and their leaves help to reduce the amount of water that runs off the land. Trees also help to create a more favorable environment for soil organisms, which can help to improve soil structure and fertility.

How Do Tree Roots Help Prevent Erosion?

Tree roots help to prevent erosion by anchoring the soil in place. When roots grow deep into the soil, they create a network of strong fibers that help to hold the soil together. This prevents the soil from being washed away by wind or water.

How Do Tree Leaves Help Prevent Erosion?

Tree leaves help to prevent erosion by reducing the amount of water that runs off the land. When rain falls on a bare patch of ground, the water quickly runs off, carrying soil with it. However, when rain falls on a forest, the leaves help to slow down the water, allowing it to soak into the ground. This reduces the amount of soil that is carried away by the water.

How Do Trees Create a Favorable Environment for Soil Organisms?

Trees create a favorable environment for soil organisms by providing them with food and shelter. The leaves of trees fall to the ground and decompose, providing food for soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms. The roots of trees also provide shelter for soil organisms, helping them to survive harsh conditions.

The Benefits of Trees for Soil Erosion Control

Trees provide a number of benefits for soil erosion control, including:

• They help to hold soil in place. The roots of trees help to anchor the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by wind or water.
• They reduce the amount of water that runs off the land. The leaves of trees help to slow down the water, allowing it to soak into the ground. This reduces the amount of soil that is carried away by the water.
• They create a favorable environment for soil organisms. The leaves of trees provide food and shelter for soil organisms, helping them to survive harsh conditions.

How to Protect Soil from Erosion

There are a number of things that can be done to protect soil from erosion, including:

• Plant trees. Trees are one of the most effective ways to prevent soil erosion. By planting trees, you can help to anchor the soil in place, reduce the amount of water that runs off the land, and create a more favorable environment for soil organisms.
• Manage forests sustainably. Sustainable forest management practices can help to protect soil from erosion. These practices include avoiding clear-cutting, leaving buffers along streams and rivers, and using prescribed burns to reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires.
• Reduce tillage. Tillage can damage soil structure and increase the amount of soil that is lost to erosion. By reducing the amount of tillage that you do, you can help to protect your soil from erosion.
• Use cover crops. Cover crops can help to protect soil from erosion by providing a living cover for the soil. Cover crops also help to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Protect streambanks. Streambanks are particularly vulnerable to erosion. By protecting streambanks, you can help to prevent soil from being washed into streams and rivers.

Trees are essential for protecting soil from erosion. Their roots help to hold soil in place, their leaves help to reduce the amount of water that runs off the land, and they create a favorable environment for soil organisms. By planting trees and managing our forests sustainably, we can all help to protect our soil from erosion.

Trees prevent soil erosion in a number of ways.

• Roots help to anchor the soil in place. As tree roots grow, they penetrate the soil and help to hold it together. This prevents the soil from being washed away by wind or water.
• Trees provide shade. The shade cast by trees helps to reduce evaporation, which can lead to the formation of gullies.
• Trees help to improve the soil structure. The roots of trees help to break up compacted soil, which allows water and air to penetrate more easily. This improves the drainage of the soil and helps to prevent erosion.
• Trees help to create a buffer zone between the soil and the elements. The leaves and branches of trees help to break the force of wind and rain, which can reduce the amount of soil that is lost.

What are the benefits of trees preventing soil erosion?

There are a number of benefits to trees preventing soil erosion.

• Erosion prevention helps to protect water quality. When soil is eroded, it can carry pollutants into waterways, which can damage aquatic ecosystems. Trees help to prevent this by keeping soil in place.
• Erosion prevention helps to protect agricultural land. Erosion can strip topsoil from agricultural land, making it less productive. Trees help to prevent this by holding the soil in place.
• Erosion prevention helps to protect infrastructure. Erosion can damage roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Trees help to prevent this by stabilizing the soil and reducing the amount of sediment that is carried into waterways.

How can I plant trees to prevent soil erosion?

There are a few things to keep in mind when planting trees to prevent soil erosion.

• Choose the right tree species. Not all tree species are equally effective at preventing soil erosion. Some good choices for erosion control include willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores.
• Plant trees in the right location. Trees should be planted on slopes or in areas that are prone to erosion. They should also be planted at least 10 feet apart to allow for adequate root growth.
• Water and fertilize trees regularly. Newly planted trees need regular watering and fertilization to help them establish a strong root system.

What are some other ways to prevent soil erosion?

There are a number of other ways to prevent soil erosion, in addition to planting trees.

• Cover bare soil with mulch. Mulch helps to protect the soil from the elements and helps to keep it in place.
• Install erosion control structures. Erosion control structures, such as terraces and check dams, can help to prevent soil from being washed away.
• Practice good farming techniques. Good farming techniques, such as crop rotation and cover crops, can help to improve the soil structure and reduce erosion.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent soil erosion and protect your property from damage.

trees play a vital role in preventing soil erosion. They help to anchor soil particles in place, reduce the impact of rainfall, and provide shade that helps to keep the soil cool and moist. By planting trees, we can help to protect our soil and ensure that it is available for future generations.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Trees help to anchor soil particles in place by their roots.
• Trees reduce the impact of rainfall by intercepting it and slowing it down.
• Trees provide shade that helps to keep the soil cool and moist.
• By planting trees, we can help to protect our soil and ensure that it is available for future generations.

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How Do Plants Help in Erosion Control?

Did you know water and wind are responsible for about 84 percent of degraded and eroded land?

Erosion is a natural phenomenon, but since it causes damage to vegetation, landscapes, agriculture, and property, it’s considered a serious environmental issue. The degraded land that’s left in the wake of long-term erosion can make formerly vibrant areas look more like a wasteland.

The good news is that erosion can be slowed or controlled entirely by using natural solutions such as plants.

In this article, we’ll briefly explore the basics of erosion control, then talk about some plants that can help with the process. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Erosion Control

Erosion is a natural process where soil and its nutrients get displaced. There are three major causes of erosion, which are:

• Strong winds
• Heavy water flow
• Human activity

Strong winds and massive water flows, like heavy rains or landslides, cause soil erosion by removing the topsoil. Intensive agriculture, deforestation, road building, climate change, and urban development are substantial human activities that cause or contribute to erosion .

There are 75 million acres of land in the United States, and 5 million acres are severely damaged due to wind, water, and human activity each year.

With such widespread damage, it’s natural that we should look for a sustainable solution to help prevent erosion. That’s why plants are such an ingenious solution.

Plants For Erosion Control

Plants often bind soil together with their root systems, which means they’re able to serve as a protective layer that can help prevent soil erosion in several ways.

For example, firm plant placement in the ground helps slow water flow since the stems act as thick barriers. The plant’s roots also hold the soil in position, which makes it harder to wash away accidentally. The soil is also protected from direct rainfall, as plants help break in the impact of raindrops before they hit the ground. This helps prevent soil runoff.

There are a few types of plants that are especially beneficial when it comes to erosion control. The best part is that although these erosion control plants serve a great purpose, they’re also aesthetically pleasing and are sure to help complete any landscape.

Groundcovers

“Groundcovers” is an umbrella term for plants that are low-lying, spreading, and leafy. They spread across the ground very quickly, and are also commonly known as “creeping” plants.

These types of plants help prevent erosion because their spreading roots hold soil in place. Strong roots make it more difficult for the ground to erode, which helps ensure a lively and healthy environment.

Some popular species include:

• Pachysandra
• Japanese honeysuckle

Depending on the species, ground-covering plants might blossom vibrant flowers, making for a beautiful garden. They’re prevalent in covering bare spots in lawns too — so it’s like two birds with one stone!

Shrubs are lush, full plants with several woody stems above the ground. Also called bushes, they are small- to medium-size perennials that share common characteristics with trees, but their stem families and short height distinguish them.

Popular shrub species include:

• Honeysuckle

Shrubs are generally hardy plants that help deter foot traffic, further helping prevent man-made erosion. Thanks to their strong roots and thick blooming, shrubs are an excellent choice for protecting surrounding soil from harsh wind, sun, and downpours. You’ll often find shrubs lined up against homes and foundations as an aesthetic.

Grass is found almost everywhere. It’s used on lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, gardens, and even for erosion control. Although it might not seem obvious, grass is one of the best choices for erosion control because its fibrous roots spread deep and quickly, holding soil very well.

When choosing grass for erosion prevention, it’s best to go with “native” species of grass since they are maintainable and only require occasional mowing. It’s hard to argue with low-maintenance grass!

Some common grass species are:

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Tall Fescue
• Hybrid Bermuda
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Creeping Red Fescue
• St. Augustine
• Purple Threeawn

Some grasses are also ideal for slopes susceptible to water erosion. For example, the Purple Threeawn has a dense root system that holds soil in place. Because of this, you’ve likely seen it installed on the side of sloping hills on interstates.

A tree is a woody perennial plant with a single stem or trunk growing to be several feet tall. They bear lateral branches that are usually several feet off the ground.

Since trees are high off the ground, it might be hard to imagine how they’d be helpful for soil erosion control. The answer is in the roots, which help stabilize the soil and hold the layers together. Their branches also help catch heavy rain, which could damage low-lying plants and loose soil.

Certain species are capable of keeping steady on a slope or high-traffic area, which helps with soil erosion. Ideal tree species for downslope erosion control include:

• Big-Leaf Maple
• Western Red Cedar

Erosion is responsible for damaging millions of acres of land each year. Strong winds, heavy water, and the human footprint all play major roles in land degradation — but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stopped.

Plants like groundcovers, shrubs, grass, and trees are natural solutions that help prevent erosion. Thanks to their extensive root systems and protective layers, healthy soil can stay in place with less runoff.

If you have a steep slope or are experiencing soil damage due to high wind and water, Granite Seed has a wide variety of plants that help prevent erosion.

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