What causes soil erosion?

Soil erosion is primarily caused by natural processes such as wind and water flow. When rainfall occurs, water can run over the land's surface, picking up soil particles and transporting them to other areas. Similarly, wind can displace loose particles from the soil surface, especially in dry conditions or areas lacking vegetation. These processes can lead to significant soil loss, which can impact agricultural productivity and degrade land quality over time.

In contrast, improved vegetation cover and crop management strategies generally help to protect soil and reduce erosion. Higher fertilizer applications do not directly cause erosion, and while excessive moisture retention can contribute to soil saturation and possibly lead to landslides or other forms of erosion, it is not a primary cause of soil erosion as understood in the context of wind and water effects. Therefore, the natural processes of wind and water flow are recognized as the main drivers of soil erosion.