soil erosion

gullying

Forming erosion channels

• leachingDissolving out by liquid
• sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
• runoffExcess water drainage

weathering · siltation · abrasion · landslides · mudslides · undercutting

terracing

Cutting slopes into steps

• cover cropsPlants shielding fallow fields
• mulchingCovering soil protectively
• no-tillUndisturbed-soil cultivation

windbreaks · revegetation · afforestation · retaining walls · conservation tillage · crop rotation · agroforestry · permaculture · rainwater harvesting · gabions

desertification

Land becoming barren, infertile

• sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
• turbidityCloudiness from suspended particles
• salinizationIncreasing salt concentration

habitat loss · crop failure · water pollution · flooding · dust storms · gullies · ravines · biodiversity loss · property damage · infrastructure damage

deforestation

Large-scale woodland elimination

• overgrazingExcessive pasture consumption
• clearcuttingHarvesting every standing tree
• tillageSoil preparation for planting

plowing · monoculture · slash-and-burn · logging · compaction · construction · urbanization · mining · wildfires · drought

crop rotation

Alternating field plantings yearly

• furrowsNarrow plowed channels
• irrigationArtificial water supply for agriculture
• fertilizationGamete fusion creating zygote

agronomy · agricultural runoff · fallowing · manure · organic farming · sustainable agriculture · intercropping · drainage systems

• environmental issuesair pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, global warming, habitat loss
• African farmingmaize, cassava, sorghum, millet, yams
• China Environmentgiant panda, Yangtze River, Yellow River, Three Gorges Dam, Tibetan Plateau
• dryland sciencedesertification, arid zones, water scarcity, desert climate, evaporation
• environmentair pollution, ecology, clean air, biosphere, air quality
• environmental harmair pollution, water pollution, pollution, oil spills, acid rain