- Soil erosion is a significant concern in the UK. The WWF reported that as much as half of the planet’s topsoil has been lost over the last 150 years
- Erosion contributes to the loss of fertile land, increases pollution and can clog natural waterways
Understanding the primary causes of erosion is essential for effective prevention. In this guide, we’re looking at the biggest causes of soil erosion on land in the UK, as well as highlighting the signs to look out for.
Erosion can be a natural process. The major drivers are intense rainfall, topography and the volume or type of vegetation cover.
However, the process can be intensified and accelerated by human activities, such as inappropriate cultivation techniques and cropping practices, deforestation and land marginalisation or abandonment.
There are a number of visible signs that can indicate that soil erosion is occurring. By checking for the following signs, you can determine whether interventions are needed to protect the soil on your land:
Murky water in nearby watercourses or ditches
Excess algae growth
Mud on adjacent tracks and roads
Silting up of field edges, hedgerows and habitats
Soil wash
Presence of soil on nearby roads
Mounds of soil at slope bases
In-field gullies or channels
For those looking to take a more proactive rather than monitoring approach, soil conservation techniques and considering land use change and vegetation development could be the way forward. Some approaches have multifaceted benefits, including helping to mitigate climate change through carbon and nitrogen sequestration and enhancing biodiversity.
If you wish to learn more about soil management, BASIS has an online Improving Soil Health Series or the in-person Foundation in Soils for those newer to the industry. For more advanced learning, you can enrol onto the Fertiliser Advisers Certificate (FACTS) and Soil and Water Management Certificate.
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