Wind

Soil erosion also reduces the ability of soil to store water and support plant growth, thereby reducing its ability to support biodiversity. Erosion promotes critical losses of water, nutrients, soil organic matter and soil biota, harming forests, rangeland and natural ecosystems.

Sheet erosion occurs as a shallow ‘sheet’ of water flowing over the ground surface, resulting in the removal of a uniform layer of soil from the soil surface. Sheet erosion occurs when rainfall intensity is greater than infiltration (sometimes due to crusting). Rarely seen but accounts for large volumes of soil loss.

Erosion removes surface soil material (topsoil), reduces levels of soil organic matter, and contributes to the breakdown of soil structure. This creates a less favorable environment for plant growth.

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. Eroded topsoil can be transported by wind or water into streams and other waterways.

Sheet Erosion Prevention Sheet erosion control starts with the maintenance of ground cover, soil structure, and soil organic matter. This prevents the development of splash erosion by preventing topsoil compaction. Another protection option is the use of mulch to cover the land surface.

Sheet erosion is caused by the force of raindrops impacting on bare soil (Ellison 1944) and dislodging particles of earth. This force is dependent on the speed of fall (a function of the length of fall and the wind-speed) and the weight (a function of the diameter of drops).