answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Overgrazing removes, damages or reduces the amount of vegetation (grass, scrub or small shrubs) that are growing on an area.

The by reducing or removing the vegetation the soil temperatures are increased (more direct sun exposure), the roots which bind the soil in place die and allow the soil to be eroded more easily by wind and rain.

By removing the vegetation the amount of humus which is naturally being added to the soil (by plants continually growing, dying and decomposing) is reduced. This also has a negative effect on the water holding capacity of the soil.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Overgrazing results in bare spots and sparsely grassed areas within a pasture or range. When soil is exposed, without either living plants or dead plant residues covering it, it is subject to water erosion by both direct impact of raindrops and runoff water. It is also subject to wind erosion.

Plant cover stops the direct impact of raindrops, and cuts the speed of wind and water that moves across the surface of the soil. In addition, roots hold soil particles in place. Remove the plant cover through overgrazing, and the soil is no longer protected.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Overgrazing means that there is not enough food to sustain livestock. It can lead to lower meat production and less food available for human consumption. Overgrazing does not allow the grasslands to recover, but keeps them in a state of continual depletion.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Overgrazing removes vegetation cover. Without vegetation, soil is washed away. Vegetation helps keep the soil moist and loose and binds it together against erosion. When soil is washed away the land degrades. Loss of vegetation allows the soil to dry out and get eroded by wind and rain. So, removing the topsoil by erosion makes the land less useful.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

When livestock graze an area repeatedly without letting the grasses have enough time to grow back, they destroy not only the plants themselves, but also the root system. When the root system is depleted, and when the plants are grazed so close to the ground, the soil is exposed to the wind and rain, and makes it easier for the wind and rain to lift the soil up and carry it away.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

When plants are grazed too much too often, the roots deplete and die off. Plants also tend to be grazed close to the soil, which makes the soil exposed to wind and rain, hence erosion occurs.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

By grazing too close to the earth too often exposes the soil to the winds and rain.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

It removes the plants that hold soil and water in place.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Explain how overgrazing increases soil erosion?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What was the significant of overgrazing?

Soil depletion and erosion.


What ranching practices contributes to soil erosion?

overgrazing a live stock


What effect does overgrazing have on soil?

erosion..it ware's down the soil and whenever floods come in mudslides are possible


1 Name at least three methods of soil conservation and regeneration that help to minimize erosion and promote sustainable soil use?

we can prevent soil erosion by: afforestation checking overgrazing (by animals)


What is a problem that arises from overgrazing?

It takes plants and weeds from the ground which hold the soil and water in place. This can lead to erosion


What is the problem that arises from overgrazing?

It takes plants and weeds from the ground which hold the soil and water in place. This can lead to erosion


What are the disadvantage of soil tiling?

Cost & increases erosion


Deforestation increases the amount of water runoff which increases the rate of?

soil erosion


How do you explain how the steepness of the land affects soil erosion?

The steeper the hillside, the higher chance for soil erosion.


What human activities can lead to soil erosion?

Human acivities such as;Bush burning,bush clearing,overgrazing by animals and so on.


What are the two causes of soil erosion explain?

Two major causes of soil loss are erosion and deliberate removal. Erosion is natural weathering of soil through water, wind or other weather conditions.


How does the overgrazing affect the environment?

Overgrazing is the act of an animal going back and regrazing the same plant[s] within a short period of time (i.e., the same day or week), which negatively affects the growth of the plant not only above ground but below ground as well. Overgrazing especially affects the root system in that it makes plants develop shallower root systems instead of deep, fibrous ones with proper, controlled grazing and best recovery and rest periods. Thus, overgrazing damages the soil and soil structure by compacting the soil to the point where it is impermeable to water. Lack of vegetation exposes the soil which may lead to soil erosion, and eventually desertification. Not only does overgrazing damage soil and soil structure, it also kills off the plants, which ultimately is what leads to erosion and desertification. Overgrazing, in most cases and for most people who talk about overgrazing, is caused mainly by irresponsible and unsustainable grazing management. However what may be irresponsible and unsustainable grazing for some is not for others. Thus the term "overgrazing" should be used very carefully in converse about environmental issues.