The removal or wearing away of the top soil by various natural agents and man-made factors is called ‘Soil Erosion’. High temperature, Rainfall wind and waves are the natural agents and deforestation, over grazing, shifting cultivation, improper and unscientific methods of agriculture are human activities cause soil erosion. In the hilly regions rainfall and temperature cause more soil erosion. In coastal area sea waves and in desert winds is the dominant factor s in the soil erosion process.
The prevention of soil erosion as well as the protection and maintenance of the Fertility of the soil. The important measures followed in the Conservation of soil are:
- Afforestation
- Control of overgrazing
- Contour ploughing
- Terrace Farming
- Erection of bunds
- Construction of check dams
- Crop rotation
- Strip Farming
- Mulching
- Literacy and education programmes on soil conservation.