Lumberjacks for a quick answers, also private companies who clear land for building communities. Also certain beetles will eat trees.
soil erosion
They help prevent erosion by controlling runoff.
Grass and shrubs reduce surface erosion by protecting soil from wind, rain and runoff. The roots of the plants also decrease erosion because a root ball has more stability than loose soil.
Soil is important in erosion because it acts as a protective layer that helps to anchor plants and prevent runoff. When soil is degraded or disrupted, such as through deforestation or intensive agriculture, it becomes more vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. This can lead to loss of fertile topsoil, decreased water quality, and increased sediment runoff into waterways.
Plants help prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with their roots, creating a stable structure. The plant roots also help absorb water, which reduces water runoff and erosion. Additionally, the leaves and stems of plants provide a physical barrier that slows down the movement of water over the soil surface, further preventing erosion.
Factors that can increase runoff include urbanization, deforestation, compacted soil, and heavy precipitation. These factors can lead to less infiltration and more surface water runoff, which can result in flooding and erosion issues.
Gullies are more likely to form in a field with plowed soil and no plants because the bare soil is more prone to erosion by water runoff. Thick grass in a field helps to reduce water runoff, prevent soil erosion, and stabilize the ground, making it less likely for gullies to form.
The loss of ground vegetation can increase water runoff and soil erosion. Without vegetation, there are fewer roots to hold soil in place, leading to increased erosion. Additionally, water is not absorbed by plants, causing it to run off the surface and carry away soil particles, further contributing to erosion.
runoff
Runoff can significantly increase the rate of erosion by carrying sediment and pollutants away from the land surface. When runoff flows quickly over the land, it can pick up soil particles and transport them to nearby water bodies, leading to erosion of the land. The more runoff that occurs, the more erosion can potentially happen as it carries away valuable topsoil.
Plants help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with their roots, reducing the impact of water and wind on the land. Their roots also help to absorb excess water, preventing runoff and soil loss.
Runoff can increase erosion by carrying sediment and debris away from their original location, causing soil loss. When water runoff moves swiftly over the land, it can pick up more soil, rocks, and minerals, leading to increased erosion. This can result in loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation in water bodies, and degradation of landscape features.