Preventing Erosion

Wind and water can change the shape of the land. 

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What do you know about the soil beneath your feet? Almost all living things depend on soil. The soil is where we grow our food. Did you know it is in danger?

Every year farmers lose many tons of soil from their fields. The soil is very important for them to grow their crops. Without good crops, we will have less food. How can we prevent soil loss?

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Soil is lost in two ways. Water can erode, or move, the soil when it rains. The wind can pick up loose and dry soil and carry it away. Water and wind are like thieves when it comes to soil. They both can carry it away.

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The Mississippi Delta was formed from stolen soil. It was once soil in the Midwest US. The Mississippi River carried this soil to where it is now. Wind and water play a major role in erosion. We know that soil is gained and lost from areas. We know it needs to be protected. Scientists want to learn about ways to prevent erosion.

Scientists study rivers to learn about erosion. They also want to find ways to prevent it. They have built special structures. Some of these structures are in the river. They capture some of the stolen soil. Others are on the banks of the river. These prevent more erosion.

[Figure 7]

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Wind too can steal soil from other areas. Some areas benefit from this new soil. The red soils of Bermuda were stolen by the wind. They were once the soil of Africa. The fertile soils of Illinois were brought in on the wind. They blew up from the Mississippi River valley after the last ice age.

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For a farmer, losing soil is not good. Farmers can lose their thick rich topsoil. What is left is less fertile ground not suited for growing crops. This is why we must be careful. Scientists study soil loss and work on ways to prevent it. Can you think of some ways?

 

[Figure 11]

Soil needs plants to protect it. Plants' roots help hold it in place. Farmers now leave some vegetation in their fields. They do not want to lose their fertile soil. Planting trees along fields can block the wind. By slowing the wind, it prevents the soil from blowing away. How can we protect the soil from water erosion?

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Plants also protect soil from water erosion. The plants help the soil stay in place. They protect the soil from the impact of rain. Steep slopes increase water erosion. Some farmers use special techniques to keep their fields level. Level fields are in much less danger from erosion.

 

[Figure 13]

What are some ways you can prevent erosion at your home?

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