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10 views

Envi Script

Uploaded by

Mary Joy Datiles
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Let's delve into the factors contributing to soil erosion, which significantly affect the

environmental landscape of the Philippines.


Aside sa katong namention ni Mr. Acebedo about the causes of soil erosion like water or heavy
rain and wind. I also have here some of the factors, specifically katong mga human activities
that accelerate erosion which are…
Firstly, deforestation – it is the conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use and it
stands as one of the primary culprits of soil erosion. We all know naman na trees or plants often
bind soil together with their root systems, which means they're able to serve as a protective
layer that can help prevent soil erosion in several ways. However, with deforestation, they cut
down those trees, and when trees are cut down, there's nothing to protect the soil anymore. It
becomes loose. That’s why when there’s a heavy rain and strong winds, it is blown away or it
washes the soil away easily, especially sa mga slopes. So, they are more susceptible to erosion
by wind and water. This has led to devastating consequences such as landslides, flooding and
the sedimentation of waterways.

Second is the unsustainable agricultural practices. Farming practices in many regions are
causing land resources to degrade—threatening future food security as well as the livelihoods of
poor rural people. So, what are these practices? Some of them are intensive tillage,
monoculture cropping, and improper irrigation or the use of fertilizer. Excessive tillage or plowing
of crops can disrupt the soil's natural structure, making it prone to erosion and compaction.
When we say compaction, sa sigeg plow diha, soil becomes hard and difficult for roots to
penetrate, limiting their access to water and nutrients. Monoculture farming naman is where the
same crop is planted repeatedly in the same area without rotation. This depletes the soil of
specific nutrients needed by that crop, leading to soil exhaustion and reduced fertility over time.
Lastly, the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can have detrimental effects on soil
health. Most of the farms here in Ph use fertilizers, and though these may initially boost crop
growth, they can lead to nutrient imbalances and soil acidification over time, especially those
farms na dependent na jud sa mga synthetic fertilizers na imported.

Next factor is grazing. This is in connection sa agricultural practices. Animals feed on the
grasses and remove the vegetation from the land. Their hooves churn up the soil. They also
pull-out plants by their roots. This loosens the soil and makes it more prone to erosion.

Mining activities also take their toll on soil stability. Digging up land for valuable minerals might
seem good, but it’s actually extremely harmful to the soil. The land gets damaged, soil washes
away, and water gets dirty. This includes the use of chemicals and heavy machinery in mining
operations can contaminate soil and water resources, further exacerbating environmental
degradation. Large-scale mining operations in areas like Caraga Region/Mimaropa disturb the
soil, accelerating erosion and leading to water pollution.
Lastly, the conversion of forests and grasslands into agricultural or urban areas increases the
susceptibility of soil to erosion. When cities are built, trees and plants are often removed. Just
like what I have mentioned sa deforestation. Plus, as cities expand, natural landscapes are
replaced by impervious surfaces such as roads, pavements, and buildings. These impermeable
surfaces disrupt the natural water cycle by preventing rainwater from infiltrating into the soil.
These hard surfaces don't let rain soak into the ground like soil does. Instead, rainwater quickly
runs off these surfaces, creating increased surface runoff, carrying away soil with it. At the same
time time, urban areas typically have altered drainage systems, with stormwater runoff being
directed into channels, drains, and sewers for rapid removal. This efficient removal of
stormwater reduces the time available for infiltration and increases the volume and velocity of
runoff, intensifying erosion processes. As a result, urban areas experience higher rates of soil
erosion compared to natural or rural landscapes.

Loss of Fertile Topsoil:


Soil erosion often results in the loss of the fertile, nutrient-rich top layer of soil. This topsoil is
crucial for plant growth and agriculture. When it's eroded away, it reduces soil fertility, leading to
decreased agricultural productivity and food insecurity.

Reduced Soil Quality:


Erosion can degrade soil quality by altering its physical, chemical, and biological properties. It
disrupts soil structure, reduces water-holding capacity, and depletes organic matter and
essential nutrients. This diminishes the ability of soil to support plant growth and sustain healthy
ecosystems.

Pollution:
Eroded soil contains pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, and pathogens.
When these pollutants are transported by runoff into water bodies, they contaminate water
sources, degrade aquatic habitats, and pose risks to human health. Water pollution from soil
erosion can impact drinking water supplies, aquatic biodiversity, and recreational activities.
Aside sa water, it can also pollute the air. The dust particles merge in the air, resulting in air
pollution. Some of the toxic substances such as pesticides and petroleum can be extremely
hazardous when inhaled. The dust plumes from the arid and semi-arid regions cause
widespread pollution when the winds move.

Habitat Loss and Biodiversity Decline:


Soil erosion can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in areas with high erosion
rates. Erosion removes vegetation cover, destroys habitats, and disrupts ecosystems, resulting
in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Species that rely on stable soil conditions
may face population declines or extinction, further compromising ecosystem resilience and
stability. Picture the mangrove forests in the Philippines, such as those in Palawan. Soil erosion
from coastal development and land conversion has destroyed mangrove habitats, endangering
species like the critically endangered Philippine Eagle and the dugong. This loss of habitat
threatens biodiversity.

Desertification
Soil erosion is a major factor for desertification. It transforms the habitable regions into deserts.
Deforestation and destructive use of land worsens the situation. This also leads to loss of
biodiversity, degradation of the soil, and alteration in the ecosystem.

Increased Flooding and Landslides:


Erosion alters landscape features and hydrological processes, increasing the risk of flooding
and landslides. Because of erosion, soil becomes loose, that’s why ang katong mga slopes,
they become oversteepened and unstable, resulting to landslides pag naay heavy rain. That
heavy eroded soil as well prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly resulting to flooding,
posing risks to human settlements and infrastructure. Let's consider the recent floods in
Cagayan Valley, where heavy rains triggered by typhoons caused soil erosion and flash flooding
in low-lying areas. This resulted in loss of lives, damage to homes, and disruption of livelihoods,
highlighting the urgent need for soil conservation and disaster risk reduction measures.

Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods:


Soil erosion negatively impacts agricultural productivity and livelihoods, particularly in rural
communities dependent on farming. Loss of topsoil, reduced soil fertility, and land degradation
can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and economic losses for farmers. Soil erosion also
limits the availability of arable land and undermines sustainable land management practices,
threatening food security and rural livelihoods.

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