Eastern Institute for

Integrated Learning in
Management

NAME :- JASMIN PARVEEN

ROLL NO :- 31
COURSE :- BBA ( H )
SUBJECT :- COMPUTER
APPLICATION
EXAMINATION :-CA 2
UNIVERSITY :- EIILM
 TOPIC
For group 4

Soil erosion
(types of soil erosion and controlling
method of soil erosion )
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to

the completion of this project on Soil Erosion for the Environmental Studies
(CA 2) exam.
Firstly, I would like to thank my Environmental Studies faculty for their
guidance and continuous support throughout this project. Their insights and
feedback have been invaluable in shaping the direction of my work.
I am also grateful to my family and friends for their encouragement and
patience during the preparation of this project. Their understanding and
motivation kept me focused on my goals.
Special thanks to the various authors, researchers, and institutions whose work
has been referenced in this project. The resources provided have been
instrumental in deepening my understanding of soil erosion and its impacts.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the importance of this subject in raising
awareness about environmental issues. The knowledge gained during this
project has not only enhanced my academic learning but has also instilled a
sense of responsibility towards the protection of our environment.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the completion of this project.
INTRODUCTION

Soil erosion is a gradual process that occurs when the impact of water or wind
detaches and removes soil particles, causing the soil to deteriorate. Soil
deterioration and low water quality due to erosion and surface runoff have
become severe problems worldwide. The problem may become so severe that
the land can no longer be cultivated and must be abandoned. Many agricultural
civilizations have declined due to land and natural resource mismanagement,
and the history of such civilizations is a good reminder to protect our natural
resources.
Erosion is a serious problem for productive agricultural land and for water
quality concerns. Controlling the sediment must be an integral part of any soil
management system to improve water and soil quality. Eroded topsoil can be
transported by wind or water into streams and other waterways. Sediment is a
product of land erosion and derives largely from sheet and rill erosion from
upland areas, and to a lesser degree, from cyclic erosion activity in gullies and
drainageways.

1
 TYPES OF SOIL EROSION
The classification is based on the speed of the erosive process or its cause
(agent). Thus, different types of soil erosion fall into accelerated or gradual,
anthropogenic or natural. The main agents of soil erosion due to natural factors
are water currents and wind storms, yet the situation may be aggravated by
human activities as well

1. Water Erosion
Soil erosion type is caused by water and implies topsoil removal after rainfall,
snowmelt, floods, or poorly managed irrigation. Thus, it can occur both due to
weather extremities or farming activities. In bare terrains and under intense
rainfall or melting, destruction by water happens faster. The main types of soil
erosion by water are bank, sheet, rill, gully, and splash ones.

2. Wind Erosion
This occurs in arid and semi-arid regions where wind is the
main agent. It includes:
a. Saltation: Soil particles are lifted and carried
short distances before settling again.
b. Suspension: Fine soil particles are carried over
long distances by wind.
c. Surface Creep: Larger soil particles roll or slide
along the ground due to wind force

3. Glacier Erosion
Caused by the movement of glaciers, it involves the scraping,
plucking, and carrying away of soil and rocks. This is
significant in cold regions.

2
4. Gravity Erosion
Also known as mass wasting, this occurs when gravity
causes soil to move downhill, leading to Landslides ,
Rockfalls and Soil slumping .

5. Anthropogenic Erosion
Caused by human activities, such as:
a. Agricultural Erosion: Improper farming techniques
disturb the soil.
b. Deforestation: Removing vegetation exposes the soil to
erosion agents.
c. Construction Activities: Building and mining disturb the
land and expose soil .

6. Coastal Erosion
Occurs along coastlines due to wave action, tides, and
currents that remove soil and sand from beaches and cliffs.

3
 Controlling methods of soil erosion
Controlling soil erosion is essential to prevent land
degradation, maintain soil fertility, and protect the
environment.
Below are the key methods to control soil erosion:
1. Vegetative Measures
Vegetation plays a crucial role in controlling soil
erosion by binding soil particles and reducing the
impact of water and wind.
a. Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and
vegetation increases soil stability by holding soil particles
together.
b. Grass Planting: Covering soil with grasses reduces the
impact of rainfall and runoff.

4
c. Crop Rotation and Cover Crops: Planting a variety of crops
or using cover crops helps maintain soil structure and reduce
erosion.
d. Contour Farming: Plowing along the natural contour of the
land slows water runoff and prevents soil loss.

5
 2. Soil Management Practices
It focus on protecting and enhancing soil structure to
reduce erosion.
[Link]: Covering the soil with organic materials such
as straw, leaves, or compost reduces soil exposure to
wind and water. Mulching also improves soil fertility.
[Link] Tillage: Minimizing or eliminating tilling
helps maintain a protective layer of crop residues on the
soil, reducing erosion.
C. Terracing: Constructing terraces on steep slopes
reduces water flow speed and prevents the washing
away of soil. This is particularly useful in hilly regions.
3. Structural Measures
Engineering solutions can significantly reduce erosion by
controlling water flow and stabilizing soil.
a. Check Dams: These are small, temporary dams built
across gullies or streams to slow down water flow and
trap eroded soil.
b. Contour Bunding: Embankments of soil, stone, or other
materials are built along the contours of the land to
reduce water flow and retain soil.
c. Gabion Structures: Wire mesh baskets filled with stones
are placed in erosion-prone areas to stabilize the soil and
prevent further loss.
d. Retention Walls: These are built in areas prone to
landslides to hold back soil and prevent mass erosion.

6
 4. Water Management
Proper water management is essential to minimize water
erosion.
a. Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater in tanks or
pits reduces surface runoff, thereby preventing soil
erosion.
b. Drainage Management: Properly designed drainage
systems, such as culverts and ditches, channel water
away from erosion-prone areas without causing soil
loss.
5. Wind Erosion Control
In areas where wind erosion is a major concern, specific
measures can be employed:
a. Windbreaks: Rows of trees, shrubs, or tall grasses are
planted to reduce wind velocity and prevent soil from
being blown away.
b. Shelterbelts: Wider rows or belts of vegetation, often
made of multiple species of plants, provide additional
protection against strong winds.
c. Stubble Mulching: Leaving crop residues (stubble) on
fields after harvesting protects the soil from wind erosion

7
6. Sustainable Land Use Practices
Adopting sustainable practices can prevent erosion while
ensuring the long-term health of the land.
a. Grazing Management: Rotational grazing allows
vegetation to recover and prevents overgrazing, which
exposes the soil.
b. Controlled Construction: Limiting construction activities
in erosion-prone areas reduces soil disturbance and
erosion.
c. Mining Rehabilitation: After mining activities, the
disturbed land should be restored by planting vegetation
and reshaping the landscape to prevent erosion.
7. Awareness and Policies
Public education and government initiatives are vital for
large-scale soil conservation.
a. Public Education: Awareness campaigns can encourage
farmers and communities to adopt soil conservation
practices.
b. Government Policies: Governments can implement soil
conservation programs, provide subsidies for sustainable
farming, and enforce regulations to protect vulnerable
areas.
By implementing these methods, soil erosion can be
effectively controlled, ensuring environmental
sustainability and soil health.

8
 Conclusion on Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a critical environmental issue that

poses significant threats to agricultural
productivity, ecological balance, and sustainable
development. It results in the loss of fertile topsoil,

9
reduced land quality, and disruption of natural
ecosystems. While natural factors such as wind,
water, and topography contribute to erosion, human
activities like deforestation, overgrazing, and
unsustainable farming practices have exacerbated
the problem.

To address soil erosion effectively, a combination

of vegetative, structural, and sustainable land
management practices must be adopted. Techniques
like afforestation, contour farming, mulching, and
proper water management can significantly reduce
soil loss. Additionally, public awareness, policy
interventions, and community participation are
essential to implementing and sustaining soil
conservation measures.

Protecting soil from erosion is not only vital for

maintaining agricultural productivity but also for
preserving biodiversity, reducing sedimentation in
water bodies, and combating climate change. A
concerted effort to prevent soil erosion will ensure
a healthier environment, sustainable livelihoods,
and a better future for coming generations.

10
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

While doing this project I have taken help from the

following resoures :
1. [Link]
2..[Link]
erosion/
3. AI Overview ( which shows during google
search )
4. Das, D.K. (2015). Introductory Soil Science.
Kalyani Publishers.
5. Lal, R. (1990). Soil Erosion in the Tropics:
Principles and Management. McGraw Hill
Education.

11