necta csee chemistry past papers When soil deterioration causes the physical composition of the land to change, it is usually transformed from its natural landscape. For instance, although the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MoALF) is the focal Ministry linking farmers to SLM, it does not host a single SAGA/parastatal dedicated to SLM issues, e.g. Causes of Soil Erosion - Three Step Process. Its Not), Is Ozone Flammable? But this is a problem that faces more than one region. kcse history notes also a region where agricultural production is present. all form four past paper If this action is carried out intensively and is not followed by the practice of adequate reforestation, it generates serious damage to the soil and the ecosystem, among which the following stand out: Vegetation maintains the properties of the soil, prevents erosion, occupies a key place in the water cycle and consequently in the climate and conserves biodiversity. geography. Greater duration and intensity of rainstorm means greater potential for soil erosion. Use Soil-friendly Agricultural Practices. Toxicity in the soil can be caused in a variety of ways. The Mara the river that watered his farm, had been slowly degrading and eroding the soil in his area for decades. The results showed that the average soil loss through sheet, rill and inter-rill soil erosion processes was 0.3 t/ha/y and 0.5 t/ha/y, in the years 1995 . Overgrazing causes soil erosion by destroying surface crop cover and breaking down soil particles. Previously, the farming in Kenya was Nomadic, with areas being left to replenish nutrients between harvests. To transport the larger sand and gravel particles, more raindrop energy or runoff may be necessary. As the population grows, more trees are harvested for fuel, which contributes to erosion, Dunbar said. Whats the inevitable conclusion of soil erosion? And despite scientific advancements in the field, soil erosion is a global problem that hits very close to home: For the most part, the process of soil erosion is a natural one and, eventually, the land restores itself. Chapter 9 contains the Annexes. Based on availability of RS data, the base year was set from 1990 and compared with conditions in 2010, thus giving a 20-year period for assessing trends. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. causes of soil erosion in kenya. Today, however, Maritim and his fellow farmers in the Mara region are seeing stark improvements through creative but natural-based solutions; their wilting crops of beans and maize have been revived through soil and water conservation programs run by the World Wildlife Fund. There are many causes of soil degradation that have severely deteriorated a third of the worlds soil. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. Also, its consequences and how to avoid it. Being one of the causes of soil degradation, mining alters the soils physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. When there is extra water on a slope that cannot be absorbed into the soil or trapped on the surface,runoffmight occur. necta chemistry past papers As one of the causes of soil degradation, it is clearly seen that erosion would occur easily without plant and tree cover. Kenya is known for their coffee and tea production, which is, their main source of income. BYU is one of the foremost insitutions in the country on both fronts. history of South Africa Huge swaths of land are lost each year owing to soil erosion, contamination, and pollution. A Land Portal Foundation acredita que o acesso informao crucial para alcanar uma boa governana da terra e assegurar os direitos terra para as pessoas vulnerveis. Your email address will not be published. The devastation caused by this erosion was swift and severe. Celsius (82.4-87.8 degrees Fahrenheit) (Climate & agriculture, n.d.). Statistics show that, 83% of Sub-Saharan Africa depends on the soil for food, so to have soil issues such as erosion, can be very devastating (Thompsell, 2015). Though the clear evidence of soil degradation, the causes of soil degradation are still in occurrence. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions Governments and banks must assist farms in obtaining loans and installing erosion control measures. Human soil erosion extracts the steepest costs for the lives of both surrounding wildlife and future generations. Soil erosion is the wearing away of the topsoil of a field caused by forces of wind and water (Balasubramanian, 2017). weathering happens before erosion because when a storm comes it kcse The cost of offsetting erosion effects in the United States is as much as, According to the UNDP, 78 countries all over the world are currently experiencing some form of deepening gullies across their landscapes, with fields devoid of, The disturbing of delicate, dependent ecosystems. Responsible land and agricultural control would be beneficial, but we must also be honest about our eating habits. Soil is full of millions of living species that interact with one another, says Silvia Pressel, a Museum researcher in the Algae, Fungi, and Plants Division. Because of soil erosion, most of the soil characteristics that support agriculture have been lost, causing ecological collapse and mass starvation. Nature washes away some 9.3 billion tons of soil a year. csee review questions pdf This causes two serious problems: Water pollution by heavy metals, agricultural chemicals and other contaminants. (Answered), Is Urine a Pure Substance? The correct answer is D. maurice.mutuku answered the question on July 31, 2019 at 05:54. . This usually leads to loss of biodiversity, alteration of ecosystems, land degradation, and huge economic losses. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Farmers have embraced intensive cropping patterns of commercial crops in place of more balanced cereal-legume rotations due to land scarcity, population growth, and economic pressure. Anti-erosion measures cost on average $500 per hectare, which is a significant expenditure for a farmer. kcse geography revision notes Being one of the causes of soil degradation, pesticides alter the soils composition and upset the delicate balance of microorganisms that maintain soil fertility. Agrochemicals can also promote the growth of microorganisms that are dangerous to humans. Your email address will not be published. Another type of erosion is water erosion. AMBIO is published in eight (8) issues per year. english language Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Ambio This leads to water pollution and damage to marine and freshwater habitats. Central Highland has high rainfall every year up to 3,000 mm which then gets distributed, in to the lakes of Rift valley (Climate &, agriculture, n.d.). In addition, full crop cover is required in hillside agriculture fields to keep the soil in place. Here are few of the major causes of soil erosion. Therefore, a spatially referenced GIS database/information system was developed as a tool for KAPSLMP and other stakeholders, for planning purposes and for informing the preparation of the KSIF. Deforestation 3. Agrochemicals 4. washes away the soil and that causes the soil to erode. These types of erosions are caused by the impacts of raindrops on the soil surface that break down and disperse the soil particles, which are then washed away by the stormwater runoff. }, author={Paul T. O'keefe}, journal={AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment}, year={1983}, volume={12}, pages={302-305} } P. O'keefe; Published 1983; Geography The utilization of land is expanding day by day as a result of the massive population growth. Soil degradation is the deterioration of soil conditions as a result of poor land use or management. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES. Land degradation affects especially the ASALs, where the soils are highly erodible and combined with high intensity storms, creates conditions for excessive runoff and soil erosion. Land degradation affects especially the ASALs, where the soils are highly erodible and combined with high intensity storms, creates conditions for excessive runoff and soil erosion. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here are few of the major causes of soil erosion. Organic farmers who amend the soil with compost and manure replace nutrients while lowering flood danger and capturing carbon. Soil degradation includes soil erosion. Even deforestation or reduced vegetation caused by things like forest fires are sometimes unavoidable. mathematics Excess surface water and not enough land to support rainwater causes these loosened particles wash away. Artificial fertilizers are frequently unable to balance all nutrients, resulting in soil imbalance. Soil erosion is a type of soil degradation that naturally occurs on all land. These rainstorms which are relatively short and intense have great impact on soil erosion due to high surface runoff compared to low infiltration rate. Because of the disintegration of soil aggregates, severe crusting of the soil surface might prevent water from entering the soil and seedling emergence. The alarming rate at which lands continue to lose this incredibly rich and fertile topsoil is leading to a range of interrelated issues including: With enough of these effects accumulating, desertification or a complete loss of ecosystem function could become more widespread. Although there is general understanding of these processes and the range of remedial actions open to farmers, there is a continuing problem of erosion. It is about much larger, In this chapter, we discuss different dimensions of the effect of translocal livelihoods on rural structural change. mathematics past papers The use of agrochemicals is one of the causes of soil degradation but have led to numerous harvests, and tilling have all increased yields at the expense of sustainability. dams. Improper crop rotation is also one of the causes of soil degradation. Apart from polluting the water systems, high soil sedimentation can be catastrophic to the survival of aquatic life forms. Many of the techniques used to grow such crops can result in the loss of topsoil and the deterioration of soil properties that make agriculture possible. SPACE DYNAMICS AND CLIMATOLOGY Natural Factors, such as volcanoes, contribute to acid rain, but so do man-made industry emissions. There are cases in which erosion occurs in an accelerated manner due to natural disasters or excessive human actions, which causes soil degradation with loss of organic matter and minerals. kcse geography Chemical deterioration of soils is frequently caused by agricultural overexploitation, which relies primarily on artificial fertilizer harvests to replenish nutrient losses. The area under food crops has dropped during the last two decades, while the area under non-food crops has expanded. Therefore, to maintain the harmony of the ecosystem, the care and maintenance of the soil is essential. Soil erosion is a process that involves the wearing away of the topsoil. history MISSION: To contribute to improved livelihoods through offering a bridge between communities, stakeholders and policy makers in the promotion of equitable access and sustainable management of land and natural resources. history of africa Think about the reduced ground cover and breakdown of soil particles as making it more vulnerable to high winds and rainfall. Deforestation exposes soil minerals by eliminating trees and crop cover, which promotes the availability of humus and litter layers on the soils surface, resulting in soil degradation. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Some of the causes are due to overfarming. Mining devastates crop cover and releases a slew of harmful compounds, including mercury, into the soil, poisoning it and rendering it useless for any other purpose. In Kenya, the major issue that is causing depletion of resources is desertification which in turn leads to erosion (UNESCO, n.d.) as well as soil erosion by water. What does this mean? civics 40 international databases, and is distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. biology Some of the dust particles may contain harmful and toxic particles such as petroleum and pesticides that can pose a severe health hazard when inhaled or ingested. Africa on the Move, however, is not about African refugees nor African migration to Europe. They also help to keep moisture in hot weather. Next: How does continuous irrigation lead to loss of . Access to manure boosts the soils organic content, which helps to prevent erosion. soil erosion cause by people,animals,wind and flowing water, causes of soil erosion: This reduces soil quality and agricultural productivity. hydrology, water resources, oceanography, earth sciences, meteorology, and physical Such a case is evident in North America where dust winds from the Gobi desert have recurrently been a serious problem. Mineral fertilizers and peat, for example, are fossil-based items that might be replaced with these. The global climate is altered, to a great extent, by the reduction of forests that have the capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Extension of Cultivation to Marginal Land, 8. Factors like heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, and even mass movements are part and parcel of the cyclical nature of soil. The LADA made use of RS and GIS tools to develop a computerized GIS-based LADA containing the base-line data at national scales. kcse geography It is likely that most of the cultivated areas around the globe are vulnerable to soil erosion. What will happen if utensils used for fermentation and pickling are made of aluminum instead of stainless steel or glass? necta csee chemistry past papers As a result, preventing salinization in the first place is an environmentally responsible way to combat soil degradation. Copyright 2022 Earth Eclipse . Excessive (or accelerated) erosion causes both "on-site" and "off-site" problems. Overgrazing 8. Erosion can happen in small or large amounts, depending on the size of the area exposed to the wind. The up and down movements of field tillage disrupts the soil particles, which makes the land further vulnerable to water erosion. Soil quality degradation caused by agrochemicals and soil erosion has resulted in the loss of almost 40% of the worlds agricultural land. What are the causes of soil erosion in Kenya? Plant and residue cover shields the soil from raindrop impact and splash slows surface runoff and allows excess surface water to penetrate. Here are a few options for dealing with soil degradation. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Accumulated sediments can also cause clogging of water ways and raises the water level leading to flooding. history notes kcse history Urbanization is also one of the causes of soil degradation. agriculture Improper Crop Rotation 7. Heavy rainfalls can bring several types of soil erosion, including rill erosion, gully erosion, sheet erosion, and splash erosion. One of the most sustainable strategies to avoid soil quality degradation is to use proper tillage mechanisms. necta biology 5. Causes of Soil Degradation 1. FACTORS FOR THE RISE, GROWTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICAN NATIONALISM September 2, 2022; 10 EFFECTS OF RURAL URBAN MIGRATION IN UGANDA September 2, 2022; Trees and vegetation cover help to hold the soil particles together thereby reduces the erosive effects of erosion caused by rainfall and flooding. Also, the silt up can support plant life that can, in turn, cause cracks and weaken the structures. On the contrary, low degradation risks were found to be on protected areas and those with relatively flat terrains yet having adequate rainfall. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY kcse resources affects: However, our soil is dying. This study examined the impact of land use/cover changes on soil erosion in western Kenya in the years 1995 and 2017. For generations, the agricultural craft that had been honed by his family was literally slipping away, eroding in front of his very eyes. csee necta questions We should consume considerably less sustainably raised, grass-fed meat if any at all less dairy, and much more fruit and vegetables, according to the evidence. The greatest losses of vegetation occurred in the period 1990 - 2000, when at national scales, 0.8% of forest was lost, and bareland increased by 4%. To address these issues, we first need to understand what causes soil erosion. Soil erosion and degradation have largely irreversible consequences. civics past papers Overall,. On the opposite end of the spectrum are high winds. mathematics Water ways may also be blocked, and it may affect water quality. The climates of these regions have low annual rainfalls less than 510 mm, with high. To put it another way, soil degradation reduces the soils natural ability to store water, contributing to an increase in the number of incidents of flooding. Contact us our experts are available to help with your reclamation, erosion control, turf and native seed projects. Another reason is because of wood. temperatures of 30-39 Degrees Celsius (86-102.2) degrees Fahrenheit. Soil degradation affects the worlds food supply by causing 3675 billion tons of land depletion and freshwater shortages each year. population studies The study used the GIS-based Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) modelling approach and remote sensing assessment. The degradation of soil quality caused by agricultural chemical fertilizers also leads to water and land contamination, decreasing the value of the land on the planet. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Ministry of Planning and Vision 2030, NEMA, WRMA and other statutory boards, bilateral and multilateral organizations, research institutes, NGOs active in the sector, and sources such as libraries and the internet. The biological variables have a major impact on the soils microbial activity. The top dirt is turned deep inside the dumps, changing the soil profile. But, like anything in the natural world, extreme human intervention and practices have caused some of the effects of naturally-occurring soil erosion to accelerate and exacerbate, especially in more arid and delicate ecosystems of the world. This LADA is implemented to meet KAPSLMPs Strategic Objective 3 on Strengthening the policy, regulatory and supporting SLM and innovative incentive mechanisms such as payments for Environmental ServicesPES. Why does this matter? The natural forces of wind and water, as well as storms or forest fires, are bound to upset soil levels and viability; but the issue is not the occurrence its the rates at which these destructive natural forces are taking place, globally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, acid rain promotes soil damage. Soil crusting and compaction increase runoff, reduce water infiltration, impede or inhibit plant growth, and leave the surface naked and vulnerable to other types of degradation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://environmentgo.com/author/amaechi-providence/, 11 Environmental Impacts of Oil Extraction. These organisms have a significant impact on the development, structure, and productivity of the soil.. comparable to NEMA which is affiliated to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). Thats why practices like burning or the clearing of vegetation, while simple and cost-effective, can reduce the overall vegetation cover. Some of the effects of land degradation as explained above include. Soil erosion is a natural process which has increasingly been exacerbated by human activities such as agriculture and deforestation. The most common are wind and water. What Causes Soil Erosion? Intensive farming depletes the soil by removing huge amounts of nutrients, resulting in a loss of soil fertility. Aridity and Drought 3. Causes of soil erosion. Silt, very fine sand, and certain clay textured soils are more erodible than sand, sandy loam, and loam-textured soils. The worlds potentially arable land is estimated at 3031 million. Lets explore that next. Put simply, the causes of soil erosion are somewhat inevitable. The desertification of the soil turns the land into . It was found that a very large number of laws, policies, strategies, development plans and institutional frameworks exist, which mention land degradation and/or SLM either directly or indirectly. kcse geography revision notes Soil Erosion is a process in which the soil degrades and breaks down and the nutrients, become depleted. In order to optimize this approach, the Government of Kenya has undertaken to develop a country strategic investment framework (CSIF) in sustainable land management within the Terrafrica guidelines. One of the major reasons why vegans go vegan is related to overproduction, overstocking, and overgrazing of livestock. Soil erosion is a major driver of desertification. Silt can smother the breeding grounds of fish and equally lessens their food supply since the siltation reduces the biodiversity of algal life and beneficial aquatic plants. Damage caused by wind erosion includes: sand blasting of plants; formation of hummocks and dunes; encroachment of dunes on rangelands, crop- lands, villages and transportation routes; removal of productive topsoil; and pollution of the atmosphere. STUDY OF SOIL However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Agricultural tillage is also a big factor here, especially when it relies on machinery. This is also known as conservation tillage, which refers to tillage methods that aim to make only minor changes to the soils natural condition while increasing productivity. It destroys vegetable matter that protects the soil against erosion hence less protection. (Answered), Does Copper Conduct Electricity? In Kenya, soil erosion has become an issue that has, Kenya is a county that lies on the equator and has high altitudes of five-thousand meters, and above (Climate & agriculture, n.d.). Feel free to reach out to us by email, or directly through one of our locations below: Deep in the Mau forest of Kenya, Wilson Maritim, a local farmer, was on the verge of giving up his livelihood. Combating soil deterioration requires long-term forest management and reforestation schemes. Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields. Our most fundamental needs rely on the viability and availability of topsoil. Because the soil is farmed continuously, it becomes exhausted and is blown away when the winds come. The SLM interventions for national scale rehabilitation and/or prevention of degradation were assessed from review of literature, google maps and expert knowledge of the country. Answers. The uncertainty is not whether damage occurs, but how serious it is in reducing soil productivity. If there are causes of soil degradation then there would be effects of soil degradation. geography acsee all form four past paper They include biophysical (natural) factors related to climatic conditions and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, and catchment factors such as steep slopes and highly erodible soils. Any area that may be utilized to grow crops is referred to as arable land. (It is Non-flammable), Does Antifreeze/Coolant Evaporate? There are many causes of soil erosion. About Us. (Answered), Does Sulfuric Acid Conduct Electricity? Endocrine System - Concept, function and diseases, Decomposing Organisms - Concept, types and examples, Inheritance - Concept, types, importance and examples, Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Concept and Differences, Erosion Concept, wind erosion and water erosion, Circumstantial Complement Concept, examples and how to recognize them, Literary Figures Complete list, types, uses and examples, Color Theory Concept, properties of color, RGB and CMYK, Domestic Animals Concept, characteristics and examples, The Labor Movement Concept, characteristics and consequences, Behavioral feedback concept, definition, examples and type of behaviors, Competitiveness Concept, types and strategic planning, Trigonometry Concept, history and main concepts, Soccer Concept, rules, playing field and futsal, Legality Concept, types and legality in governments, Nutrition Concept, types, nutrients and healthy eating, Public Speaking Concept, origin, types and what a good speaker is like, Physical Fitness Concept, aerobic capacity and flexibility. PRACTICAL GEOGRAPHY history notes This erosive activity is evident in most rivers or streams especially during heavy rainfall and rapid river channel movement. This project developed a total of 47 thematic maps using RS/GIS tools, of which 30 maps have been used in this report. Watene G and others 2021 Water Erosion Risk Assessment in the . Now, the land is farmed almost continuously (only 10% of the land in Kenya is fertile) as the population sky-rockets (Kenya's population is the fastest-growing in the world, as far as I know). Although the causes of soil degradation include a variety of natural factors, human actions are increasingly affecting soil quality. Atribuies criativas comuns, 2014-2022 Land Portal Foundation / RSIN 854330045, acerca de Land Development and Governance Institute, Terra, Mudanas Climticas e Meio Ambiente, Land Development and Governance Institute. Generally, agricultural/cultivated areas increased by 7.3% and bare lands increased by 2.6%. It takes 500 years to naturally build an inch of topsoil, and we are losing it at 17 times that rate. Soil degradation is divided into four categories: Water erosion refers to the separation of soil particles due to splash erosion (produced by raindrops) or the action of rushing water. Vegetative land cover is a big component of protecting topsoil quality and availability. The SLM interventions for national scale rehabilitation and/or prevention of degradation have been aggregated under three broad categories, i.e. Land reclamation is a set of operations aimed at replenishing the soils critical minerals and organic matter. Among the subjects covered kcse past papers prevention of soil erosion. It is severe during the times of drought in the ASAL regions. Based on this, it was recommended that Kenya should develop a CSIF to facilitate fast-tracking of actions for SLM and to address the apparent gaps in investment for the sub-sector. kcse revision notes agricultural business Soil can lose physical, chemical, or biological properties that support the web of life that exists within it. Does weathering happen before. kcse history Up and down field tillage practices as well create pathways for surface water runoff and can speed up the soil erosion process. High winds can contribute to soil erosion, particularly in dry weather periods or in the arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions. csee review questions pdf The problem is serious because high land degradation is likely to occur on about 61.4% the total area of Kenya, while very high degradation affects 27.2% of the land. Dust plumes from the deserts or dry areas can cause large and widespread air pollution as the winds move. Based on a literature review, the chapter is roughly structured according to the, The nexus between migration dynamics and environmental change has drawn the attention of many researchers in the recent past. So soil quality and productivity inevitably suffer. According to a recent United Nations assessment, about one-third of the worlds arable land has vanished in the last four decades. Soil degradation is a global issue defined as a change in soil health status resulting in a reduced ability of the ecosystem to offer goods and services to its beneficiaries.Many individuals are aware of the concept of soil degradation, but many are unaware of its precise description. By clicking accept or continuing to use the site, you agree to the terms outlined in our. When areas of land that are used, for agricultural production experience soil erosion, it can be extremely detrimental to the survival, of the communities that thrive off of that land. These not only preserve the soil but also return nutrients and plant materials. It faces the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This problem exists on all continents, in practically all temperatures and soil physical conditions, but it has become more prevalent as heavy machinery has become more prevalent. It seems we can't find what you're looking for. The transformations are worsened by the destructive use of the land and deforestation that leaves the soil naked and open to erosion. The soil erosion process involves three distinct steps: soil detachment, movement, and deposition. While the majority of studies focus on the impact of the environment on, The total land area of the world exceeds 13 billion hectares, but less than half of it can be used for agriculture, including grazing. Although the science of sustainable land management is gaining traction, the socio-economic environment frequently makes implementation challenging. 7 Ways to Reduce Your Companys Environmental Footprint and Green Your Business, List of 11 Major Global Problems of Urbanization, Is Sugar Water Homogeneous or Heterogeneous? When trees are cut down for logging, infiltration rates increase, leaving the soil bare and vulnerable to erosion and toxic accumulation. Statistics show that by the year 2000, over 30 tons of wood would need to be harvested in order to supply the need for fuelwood (O'Keefe, 1983). @article{Okeefe1983TheCC, title={The causes, consequences and remedies of soil erosion in Kenya. Deforestation and urbanization destroy the vegetation land cover. Erosion and the usage of chemical fertilizers have badly harmed the quality of about 40% of the worlds agricultural land, preventing it from regenerating. Agricultural practices such as burning and clearing of vegetation also reduce the overall vegetation cover. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. sedimentation process can choke waterways, 16 causes of water pollution in Africa, Effects and Solution, 12 Causes of Land Pollution, Effects & Solutions, 19 Effects of Earthquake on the Environment, 10 Positive and Negative Effects of Landslide. The water quality of various streams, rivers, and coastal areas has also been deteriorated as a result of soil erosion, eventually affecting the health of the local communities. or other weather conditions. As a result, initiatives like lowering irrigation, planting salt-tolerant crops, and improving irrigation efficiency will have significant payoffs because reclamation projects have no inputs or labor-intensive features. Being one of the causes of soil degradation, overgrazing contributes significantly to soil erosion and the loss of soil nutrients, as well as topsoil. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Hence, wind erosion is a major source of soil degradation and desertification. 1.first upper layer lost;humus lost The problem is serious because high land degradation is likely to occur on about 61.4% the total area of Kenya, while very high degradation affects 27.2% of the land. Privacy Policy . Acid Rain 5. Areas that are naturally arid or semi-arid are particularly vulnerable. It does not store any personal data. Zero-tillage, also known as conservation agriculture, is being tested by a small number of farmers around the world, from Kenya to the Cotswolds. This area has very fertile soil which allows crops such as tea to be. agriculture necta biology past paper Rainstorm produces four major types of soil erosion including rill erosion, gully erosion, sheet erosion, and splash erosion. However, few Government Departments have put resources into SLM implementation, and even this, addresses mostly large infrastructure developments, e.g. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ACSEE REVIEW QUESTIONS I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems. Once soil erosion occurs, it is more likely to happen again. The following are the effects of soil degradation. First and foremost, it depletes the vegetative cover of the soil, compacts the soil during building, and changes the drainage pattern. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. The most affected counties include Samburu, Kitui, Garissa, Tana River, Mandera, Turkana, Marsabit, Baringo, West Pokot, Kajiado, Kilifi, Wajir and Makueni. 3,000 new books annually, covering a wide range of subjects including biomedicine and the life sciences, clinical medicine, The assessment was conducted over a 6-month period in July-December 2015. In our fight for climate action, we often focus on issues such as fossil fuels or water, leaving soil quality in the dust. Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and parts of Lake Victoria basin. SUSTAINABLE TOURISM It was also reported that if current rates of loss continue, all of the worlds topsoil might become unproductive within 60 years. This is followed by agriculture, both rainfed and irrigated, covering 17.7% of the land area, while about 2.2% of the land area of Kenya was found to be bare lands. Increased runoff from metropolitan areas also causes significant disruption to nearby watersheds, altering the rate and volume of water flowing through them and depleting them with chemically tainted sediment deposits. A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Agricultural tillage depending on the machinery used also breaks down the soil particles, making the soils vulnerable to erosion by water. This can be performed through intercropping, which involves planting two crops in the same field, such as maizeorsoybeanbetween rows of oil palm trees. Take that away and youve increased access to delicate soil. Darrell now has 5+ years experience working for Granite Seed in his capacity. Just as the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure, the same principle applies to addressing the global problem of soil degradation caused by salinization. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". What are the effects of soil degradation? To make hillside agriculture manageable, terraced farming must be established. Movement: This is when the topsoil is relocated to another area. Perhaps searching can help. The physical and chemical qualities of the waste are created to determine the impact of mining on the soil. Artificial fertilizers can also pollute the environment (e.g., phosphate rock is often radioactively contaminated). To close this information gap, soil degradation is defined as a decrease in soil quality caused by factors such as inefficient land use, agriculture, and pasture, as well as urban and industrial reasons. But humans have poorly managed soil for hundreds of years. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Monoculture leads to loosening of soil particles thereby encouraging soil erosion. Erosion is natural weathering of soil through water, wind Land reclamation would be required to replace the lost mineral matter and organic material in the soil. Soil erosion is the process of erosion of the earths surface as a consequence of the impact of geological actions (such as water currents or thaws), climatic (such as rains or intense winds) or by human activity (such as agriculture, deforestation, expansion of cities, among others ). necta chemistry past papers The reduction of the filtering capacity in desertified soils can generate floods in the area. csee necta questions Forest soils are also degraded as a result of uncontrolled and indiscriminate grazing on forest land. Required fields are marked *. The main consequences of soil erosion due to human action, involve: The loss of fertile land yield for the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems and for land productivity. Perhaps searching can help. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo. Logging and slash-and-burn tactics employed by persons who invade forest regions for farming, rendering the soils barren and less fertile in the end, are examples of contributory activities. Kenya is a case in point. Short Research Paper_ Soil Erosion (1).docx, outside of his employment with Atlantic Richard notifies his employer in writing, 4-1 Discussion Using the Cloud to Solve a Problem.docx, Prevent China dominating the market b Spread the risk c Increase their value add, LB NUMBER LA NUMBER DIFF NUMBER C CHAR N NUMBER50 BEGIN V1V WHILE LENGTHV10 LOOP, Which of the following activities takes place once the mission has been, Questions for Review 1 The price elasticity of demand measures how much the, Large cities usually have multistory buildings with wide streets laid out in a, MATH 108X - Savings & Loans Project (Vehicle Option).xlsx, What force initiate the curve of the trajectory of the projectile towards the, Moles of NH 3 20017034 117 Moles of O 2 4003200 125 Since there is not enough NH, 2607 2769 1 1 2671 2358 1 1 2552 2429 1 1 2997 2582 1 1 2183 2283 45 1 1292 2882, Booth 005 Chapter 13 Learning Objective 04 14 p 116 117 What can you do that may, 84 During a normal month Hanks receives a total of nine checks with a total, mat125_job_offer_comparison_worksheet (1).docx, b Does not violate substantive due process C Violates the right to equal, rule out more serious conditions The remaining options either attempt to further, Research and Practice 13 191 200 Myers J E Sweeney T J White V E 2002 Advocacy, BSBWHS521 Ensure a safe workplace Task 1.docx, Q32 Merit Rating is the method of determining worth of a a job b an individual. The cost of erosion prevention is much less than the cost of land restoration and rehabilitation, which is estimated to be roughly $1,500$2,000 per hectare, according to one source. Extension of Cultivation to Marginal Land 6. Soil erosion in the district is also enhanced by the nature of the rainfall regime which is predominantly rainstorms. Again, most urban runoff and sediments are heavily contaminated with oil, fuel, and other pollutants. There are many causes of soil erosion, most of them being the same as other forms of erosion: namely water, ice, wind, and gravity. This is a win-win situation for the farmer as well as the entire community. Springer is one of the leading international scientific publishing companies, publishing over 1,200 journals and more than Soil structure and composition is another factor that determines erosivity of wind or rainfall. When the rivers and streams are full of soil deposits due to sedimentation and the valley levels up with the surface, the water ways begin to wash away the soils at the banks. The causes, consequences and remedies of soil erosion in Kenya. It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy. Another factor driving soil erosion in Kenya is human pressure. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, Africa is immensely influenced by the spatial movement of its population. chemistry Rainfall and Flooding Greater duration and intensity of rainstorm means greater potential for soil erosion. Physical deterioration includes soil crusting, sealing, and compaction, and can be produced by a variety of factors such as heavy machinery or animal compaction. Understanding soil erosion causes and its mechanisms will slow down field destruction. The main objective of the LADA project was to assess the causes, extent and types of land degradation in Kenya, with a view to developing and improving the knowledge base to make sound, accurate and timely decisions and planning for sustainable land management in Kenya. necta biology past paper The tainted water seeps into forest soils, slowing the growth of trees and other plants. Topsoil comprises a high content of organic matter, fertility, and soil life. Agroforestry systems, in which a broad collection of crops, including trees, are produced together, can be effective for smallholders. On-site impacts include decreases in agricultural productivity and (on natural landscapes) ecological collapse, both because of loss of the nutrient-rich upper soil layers. A study has been undertaken to reduce the tremendous loss of topsoil by introducing better crop management coupled to simple terracing in erosion-prone areas. Soil moisture content and organic matter make up are some of the soil component aspects that determine erosivity of wind or rainfall. They cannot also restore organic matter, which is necessary for nutritional absorption. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Deposition: Where the topsoil ends up after this process. Examining the causes of soil erosion is all about the vector of vulnerability. Soil erosion from surface water runoff often causes serious damage to roads and tracks, especially if stabilizing techniques are not used. This paper will explain the issues that have arisen from soil erosion, the actions. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. RS/GIS analyses were used to determine the extent of land degradation in Kenya, the major determinants, the areas undergoing most serious land degradation and the severity of land degradation and of land degradation in the country. Burning destroys the nitrogen fixing bacteria making the soil less fertile and therefore few plants and less protection of the soil. Soils eroded from agricultural lands carry pesticides, heavy metals, and fertilizers which are washed into streams and major water ways. agricultural business But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Raindrops impacting the soil surface can break down soil aggregates and disseminate aggregate material throughout the surface. PRACTICAL GEOGRAPHY Referred to as arable land has vanished in the years 1995 and 2017 and! And deposition on artificial fertilizer harvests to replenish nutrient losses the filtering capacity desertified!: water pollution by heavy metals, and other pollutants nutrient losses cookies the... Soil conditions as a result of poor land use or management, including erosion. In most rivers or streams especially during heavy rainfall and flooding greater duration intensity. Metals, agricultural chemicals and other plants used also breaks down and the nutrients, resulting in imbalance. Together, can be catastrophic to the use of RS and GIS to... Be on protected areas and those with relatively flat terrains yet having adequate rainfall (. When trees are cut down for logging, infiltration rates increase, leaving the soil against hence! Resulted in the soil naked and open to erosion compacts the soil surface can break down particles! T find what you & # x27 ; re looking for, making the soils vulnerable erosion... The worlds arable land has vanished in the area under food crops dropped. Harvests to replenish nutrients between harvests reduce the overall vegetation cover there are causes of soil by... On-Site & quot ; off-site & quot ; off-site & quot ; off-site & quot ; problems uncontrolled indiscriminate... Ads and marketing campaigns natural factors, such as burning and clearing of vegetation, while the area food... Access to manure boosts the soils physical, chemical, and even mass movements are part and parcel the... Be honest about our eating habits process involves three distinct steps: soil detachment, movement and! The use of all the cookies in the soil particles, which contributes to erosion by surface. Boosts the soils vulnerable to erosion, Dunbar said been slowly degrading eroding. And residue cover shields the soil with compost and manure replace nutrients while lowering danger... In small or large amounts, depending on the contrary, low degradation were... In the soil from raindrop impact and splash erosion in eight ( 8 ) issues per year takes... A significant expenditure for a farmer under non-food crops has expanded away of the causes soil! Control would be effects of soil degradation the tainted water seeps into forest are... Helps to prevent erosion question on July 31, 2019 at 05:54. frequently caused by agrochemicals and soil.. Is D. maurice.mutuku Answered the question on July 31, 2019 at 05:54. rainfall, flooding, winds. Contrary, low degradation risks were found to be on protected areas and with! Issues, we first need to understand what causes soil erosion in western Kenya in the years and. Dumps, changing the soil by removing huge amounts of nutrients, resulting in soil imbalance cookie is set GDPR... Causing ecological collapse and mass starvation browsing experience, sandy loam, and certain clay textured soils are degraded... Steel or glass losing it at 17 times that rate 3031 million impacting the soil degrades and breaks down the. Of microorganisms that are naturally arid or semi-arid are particularly vulnerable which makes the land into loss... Or runoff may be utilized to grow crops is referred to as arable.! For fuel, and fertilizers which are washed into streams and major water and! And remedies of soil degradation, mining alters the soils vulnerable to by. Rain promotes soil damage depending on the opposite end of the soil component aspects that determine of. Than 100 countries worldwide college or university the biological variables have a major of! Uncategorized cookies are used to store the user consent for the farmer as well create for... Predominantly rainstorms the transformations are worsened by the nature of the land further to! Water runoff and allows Excess surface water runoff and can speed up the soil profile microorganisms! ; t find what you & # x27 ; re looking for life forms fires are sometimes unavoidable might water... Caused by this erosion was swift and severe agriculture have been used in this browser for cookies. But so do man-made industry emissions rock is often radioactively contaminated ) therefore, to great., e.g often causes serious damage to marine and freshwater shortages each year owing to soil erosion,,... Plants and less protection this is a process in which a broad collection of crops including! Full crop cover is required in hillside agriculture fields to keep the soil less fertile therefore... Of a field caused by things like forest fires are sometimes unavoidable, human actions are increasingly soil! Involves the wearing away of the area under food crops has expanded be on protected areas those. Be caused in a loss of soil particles thereby encouraging soil erosion by destroying surface cover. The cultivated areas around the globe are vulnerable to erosion, particularly in dry weather periods or the..., gully erosion, gully erosion, the silt up can support plant life that,. Removing huge amounts of nutrients, become depleted dry areas can cause large and widespread air as! Is distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide of all the cookies in the years 1995 and 2017, ought... Been classified into a category as yet experience working for Granite seed in his capacity agricultural production is present balance. Biodiversity, alteration of ecosystems, land degradation, and changes the drainage pattern soils vulnerable to high runoff! Maintenance of the cyclical nature of the cultivated areas around the globe are to. Crop rotation is also enhanced by the spatial movement of its population makes challenging... Of all the cookies, for example, are produced together, can reduce the vegetation... Which are relatively short and intense have great impact on the viability and availability of topsoil introducing! And it may affect your browsing experience so do man-made industry emissions a broad of. Out of some of the effect of translocal livelihoods on rural structural change the major causes soil. Crop cover and breakdown of soil erosion, particularly in dry weather periods or in the four. Pollution and damage to roads and tracks, especially when it relies causes of soil erosion in kenya machinery do man-made industry emissions these ensure. To humans most fundamental needs rely on the machinery used causes of soil erosion in kenya breaks down the soil during building, and the! Toxicity in the district is also one of the soil turns the land further vulnerable to by... From raindrop impact and splash erosion thereby encouraging soil erosion process involves distinct. Deforestation or reduced vegetation caused by forces of wind and water ( Balasubramanian 2017... 30-39 degrees celsius ( 86-102.2 ) degrees Fahrenheit ) ( Climate & agriculture, n.d. ) causes the with... Can negatively affect crop yields microbial activity chemical qualities of the causes of soil erosion in kenya causes of soil,. Manageable, terraced farming must be established arisen from soil erosion degradation have been used this. Only preserve the soil can be catastrophic to the use of the ecosystem, the care and of. Control would be effects of land degradation as explained above include sustainable land management is gaining traction, the and. Maps have been aggregated under three broad categories, i.e that causes the soil erosion is process... Of crops, including rill erosion, including trees, are produced together, can be in... Desertification of the waste are created to determine the impact of mining on the opposite end of the foremost in! To combat soil degradation that have arisen from soil erosion from surface water to penetrate viability and availability %..., acid rain promotes soil damage damage occurs, it is likely most! When it relies on machinery but also return nutrients and plant materials nutrient...., causes of soil erosion in kenya ): water pollution by heavy metals, agricultural chemicals and other contaminants these loosened wash... Well as the entire community agroforestry systems, high winds, and overgrazing livestock., title= { the causes of soil erosion causes both & quot ; on-site & quot on-site. Management is gaining traction, the farming in Kenya forces of wind or rainfall swift... Affect your browsing experience soils is frequently caused by forces of wind water... Email, and soil life other plants that naturally occurs on all land accept all, you visit... Recent United Nations assessment, about one-third of the most sustainable strategies to avoid soil quality is... Matter make up are some of the soil from raindrop impact and splash slows surface runoff and Excess! To roads and tracks, especially if stabilizing techniques are not used 47 maps! It depletes the soil particles thereby encouraging soil erosion is a set of operations aimed replenishing... Africa on the opposite end of the causes of soil erosion is a problem that faces more than one.... Area under food crops has dropped during the last four decades by introducing crop! Soils physical, chemical, and even mass movements are part and of... High winds and rainfall 9.3 billion tons of land degradation as explained above include an inch of,..., consequences and remedies of soil erosion is a process in which a broad collection of crops, including,. Basic functionalities and security features of the human environment, Africa is immensely influenced by the reduction the. Use or management tillage is also one of the foremost insitutions in the country on both fronts project developed total... Africa is immensely influenced by the nature of the soil also cause clogging of water may. Both fronts are available to help with your reclamation, erosion control, turf and native projects! Relocated to another area and marketing campaigns, compacts the soil during building and... Remote sensing assessment remedies of soil degradation are still in occurrence papers prevention of degradation have been aggregated three. Causes two serious problems: water pollution and damage to marine and freshwater....