Erosion in the landscape. What is it and what can we do about it?

Erosion is the process of wear and tear in which material is displaced or completely disappears. The surface of the Earth recognizes erosion in the following ways, including water, wind, ice, volcanism, earthquake, impacts (meteorite) and friction.

A good example of erosion can be discovered at a site in South Africa (see photo). Erosion does not happen from day to day, but through hundreds of years of, mainly, wind and water erosion. This erosion has washed away all nutrients and minerals from the soil, making the growth of grasses, shrubs and trees very difficult or impossible.

Is there still hope for this site?

The chance that new vegetation can be successfully sown and/or planted is small. The soil is exposed to the elements and will continue to lose (other) nutrients and minerals. The soil can gradually re-create nutrient-rich layers by decomposing (dead) chopped plant material and incorporating it into the soil. This process not only requires the material, but also a rich soil life including worms, ants, fungi and other insects.

Nyala female with young one in the background

On the one hand, if there is no life present to decompose the material and release nutrients into the soil, these new nutrients and minerals will in turn be washed away due to erosion. On the other hand, when new vegetation grows successfully, how long does it survive against herbivores (plant eaters) that prefer young shoots?

In short, it is a process of trial and error with many mutual factors and influences.

Did you know...

Do natural parks suffer from friction erosion on a daily basis?

You may not think about it when you drive through a nature park, but the friction of the wheels on the road surface or dirt road does cause erosion. It is therefore recommended to always follow the intended road and not 'off road'. to go driving. Creating new (un)conscious paths compresses the soil, causing the soil to slip and no longer have any voids through which water can seep into the soil. The water then has only one option and that is to follow the ground surface downstream, resulting in erosion.

So, it is very important to minimize the impact of erosion and ALWAYS follow the road. If animals can do it, why can't humans?

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