What is the main cause of soil erosion on farms?

The primary cause of soil erosion on farms is water runoff and wind exposure without protective vegetation. When the soil is left bare, it becomes highly susceptible to the erosive forces of water and wind. Without vegetation or cover crops to hold the soil in place, water can easily wash soil away, especially during heavy rains or storms, while wind can carry away dry, loose soil particles. This process not only depletes the topsoil, which is vital for crop growth, but also leads to sedimentation in nearby water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.

In contrast, practices like animal grazing, while they can contribute to erosion if not managed properly, don’t directly cause erosion like the absence of protective vegetation does. Planting cover crops actually helps combat erosion by providing ground cover that protects the soil. Over-fertilization primarily affects soil health and plant growth but is not a direct cause of soil erosion itself. Thus, the lack of protective vegetation, leading to unimpeded water runoff and wind exposure, is the most significant factor contributing to soil erosion on farms.