| A main impact on the environment that humans are a part of is soil degradation. Soil degradation applies mainly to the top layers of soil. The soil is important for it contains humus (organic matter). Soil also yeilds nutrients and retains water. There are few main causes of soil degradation. Soil compaction from livestock and heavy equipment. Farming, which on steep slopes, causes erosion. Erosion is one of the biggest causes of soil degradation. Another big cause is overgrazing which causes up to 35% of soil degradation. Overgrazing removes plant cover and can cause erosion. Though light grazing is a good thing for it removes dead plants and competition. The main over grazer are sheep and goats where they the buds closer to the ground, and therefore destroying the vegetation cover. |
