Learning Site Home Page The human impact on soil erosion The quality of soils can be reduced by human actions. Soil degradation usually occurs because people do not understand soils and how they act under various conditions. Often poor decisions are made and soils cannot support a particular land use practice. Such soil degradation can occur in both urban and rural locations.

For example, on construction sites, all trees and other vegetation are often removed, exposing the soil to erosion. If soil disturbance on sites such as this were minimized and proper erosion control measures are installed on the area which must be disturbed then soil degradation and erosion could be avoided.  Improper disposal of household chemicals can degrade soils and contaminate groundwater supplies.

Over fertilization of lawns provides excessive nutrients not used by the soil which can leach out into groundwater. Testing your soil before application of lawn or garden chemicals and fertilizers prevents over-application.

How we use our soil can have a direct impact on both our ground and surface water resources.  For more information see "The human effect on water resources," continue to Watershed Stewardship to learn more about how you can conserve our soil and water resources in your home watershed.