What is soil erosion?

Soil erosion is a natural or artificial process where the top layers of soil are blown or washed away from wind or water. Most soil erosion is caused by natural sources like wind and rain.

While soil erosion is natural, it can cause serious problems for human. The upper layer of soil on farms typically contain the most nutrients and is best suited for growing crops. Due to soil erosion, some farmland can become inhospitable and will not grow plants well. Soil erosion can also create large holes that can leave buildings vulnerable to damage and can create droughts if it impacts the environment.