Soil beginner
Level 1
1-3 Rating
Soil erosion reduces the productive potential of soils through nutrient losses, loss of organic matter, reduced potential rooting depth, and lower available water-holding capacity.
If the soil surface is left unprotected on sloping ground, large quantities of soil can be water eroded by gullying, rilling and sheet wash. The loss of organic matter and soil structure as a direct result of overcultuvation can also lead to significant soil loss by wind erosion of exposed ground.
Comparison with representative photos or cartoons (see below); assessment of the degree of soil erosion based on current visual evidence and on your knowledge of what the site looked like in the past.
1-5 minutes: One data point (rating)
(If applicable: 1=good; 2=fair; 3=poor)
1: Little or no erosion of the topsoil
2: Some erosion of the topsoil is apparent
3: The topsoil is very eroded or non-existent