Causes of Soil

Erosion
 Complete the graphic organizer below. Choose from the
words inside the box.

1. Rainfall, snow and seasonal changes can erode

soil faster. Soil erosion is affected by the
____________
2. Sand and silt erode faster than clay and loam.
Soil erosion is affected by the ______________
3. Steep slopes erode soil faster than flat land. Soil
erosion is affected by the ____________ of the land.

4. Land without plants on the surface erodes faster

than those with vegetation. Soil erosion is affected
by the presence of ______________

Character/ Type Slope of the land surface

Climate Vegetation Cover
 Natural Forces that Cause Soil
Erosion
Water- Rainfall carries the small soil
particles to another place. Snow can
also cause soil erosion as it melts
and then carry the topsoil to flow
with the melting snow.
 Natural Forces that Cause Soil
Erosion
Wind- When a strong wind blows on
land without plants or vegetation,
the dry soil breaks apart, making the
lighter particles to be blown to other
places.
 Natural Forces that Cause Soil
Erosion
Glaciers- In areas with cold climate,
glaciers may move and melt carrying
topsoil and other materials to warm
places.
Other Causes of Soil Erosion

Overgrazing of animals- Animals

might make the soil exposed by
consuming the grass in a place which
can easily be carried by water ort
wind.
Other Causes of Soil Erosion

Deforestation- Too much cutting of

trees causes soil to erode because of
lack of roots that hold the soil.
 Other Causes of Soil Erosion
Bad farming or
Agricultural
Practices- Some
farmers clear the
land by burning
trees and other
plants or using the
kaingin system,
thus exposing the
soil to rain and
wind.
Other Causes of Soil Erosion

Activities of people and moving

vehicles- When there are so many
people walking, marching, or biking
on non-cemented roads, pathway
becomes deeper.
Evaluation:
Answer the following questions. Write
your answer on the blanks.
1. What are the natural forces that
cause soil erosion?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
2. How do farmers cause soil erosion?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Evaluation:
3. How do animals cause soil erosion?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
4. How does deforestation cause soil
erosion?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
5. How does water cause soil erosion?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________