Erosion

Soil | Land

Soil loss – any soil crumb counts

Photo of an extreme form of erosion.

When heavy rains or strong winds hit uncovered soil, soil material can be transported downslope or through the open landscape. Soil erodes and will be deposited elsewhere. The result is the degradation of fertile soil, which we need as a basis for life. Erosion limits the functions of soils, pollutes water bodies and damages infrastructures. read more

Soil | Land

Soil loss by wind erosion

When strong winds hit bare or only poorly covered soil, soil material is stirred up and transported, sometimes over long distances, through the open landscape. The result is the stealthy loss of fertile soil. Neighboring sites and ecosystems can be affected. Also, for people dangerous situations are possible, for example due to impaired visibility. read more

Soil | Land

Soil loss by water erosion

Uncovered soils are exposed unprotected to the energy of water during heavy and prolonged rainfall. The water transports the soil irretrievably downhill. As a result, fertile soil is lost, and therefore the yielding capacity on arable land. In addition, the eroded material and the absorbed nutrients and pollutants can pollute neighboring water bodies. read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment