Explain how overgrazing increases soil erosion?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

Overgrazing leads to reduced vegetation cover on the soil, which in turn weakens the soil structure. This makes the soil more vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Additionally, the trampling of livestock on the land can further compact the soil, making it easier for erosion to occur.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

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