Soil Erosion in Colombia

One of the biggest soil problems that Colombia has is soil erosion. This has resulted in a huge loss of vegetation for their country. Soil erosion has also caused a lot of problems with the preservation of wildlife in Colombia. Colombia has lost 2,224,000 acres of natural forest and some of that was due to soil erosion. The main reason they have lost so much forest though is because of deforestation( the removal of trees).



There are many reasons for this problem of soil erosion in colombia. One of the most devastationg things that could happen to an environment is deforestation. This makes soil erosion a lot worse because there is more open space where heavy rainfall can just wipe away all of the nutrients of the soils. The overuse of pesticides has been a big problem also.

There are a lot of different things that are being done in colombia because of their soil issues. Some of the soile conservation methods they are using are:

1. Planting hedgerows
2. Alley cropping
3. Plowing contour lines and terraces
4. the use of cover crops
5. the tilling of crop residues in soils

Desertification and Erosion in Ecuador

The country of Ecuador is affected by both desertification and erosion. Almost 50% of the country is susceptible to erosion, and desertification affects much of the western side of the country. The graphic shows provinces affected by desertification. Already, about 350 sq. miles (90,000 hectares) of the country are completely desertified.

There are several reasons for the desertification and erosion of Ecuador. Firstly, there is a lack of set policies for land management and farming in Ecuador. Because of this lack of regulation, bad farming practices and expansive livestock pastures are contributing to desertification. Deforestation as well as forest and agricultural fires are some of the main causes of soil erosion.

To counter these soil problems, Ecuador has begun adopting new policies and regulations for soil and land care. Ecuador is a participant in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and policies that were set in place in January of 2007 have tried to reform issues of land use.

Sources:

www.inta.gov.ar

www.rainforestinfo.org.au

www.global-mechanism.org

Desertification In Argentina

Argentina suffers from desertification, the process in which fertile land becomes desert, due to a deforestation, droughts or inappropriate land use. Currently, Argentina has more arid land then any othersouth american country, approximately over 6.5 billion square feet. 75% of land is affected by desertification, and 30% of the population (roughly nine million people) are directly affected.

As shown in the map, the red indicated lands severely impacted by desertification and the orange, lands that are moderately impacted. Most of the land that isn't indicated green, as rainforest areas, is affected by desertification.

There are many reasons why desertification is an issue in Argentina.

Poverty plays a large role. Those impoverished have used the now arid land for their daily needs. The forest provides a large resources for firewood. As a result, deforestation is a large contributor to the problem. In the last 75 years, 6.6% of the total forested lands have disappeared. The trees hold down the soil of the land, and with no roots, the soil will all erode. This results in an arid land and soil-less climate.

The land is also used for agriculture purposes. Overgrazing sheep causes a loss of vegetation as well as overuse of the soil for agriculture. Other causes of desertification have been linked to erosion due to water and wind, invasion of annuals and salt tolerant plants. the formation of sand dunes and the reduction of biodiversity.

In order to solve this problem, Argentina is looking to create a Regional Board for Desertification Control as well as setting up a priority system

and projects to demonstrate how to best use or not use the natural resources of Argentina. The use of a Geographic Information System application (see example image to the right), in order to raise awareness among local producers has also been suggested. A regional workshop in the Chaco region of Argentina was held regarding desertification. It was suggested to implement mechanisms for the control and monitoring of natural resources, to developeconomic incentives for people or business that show sustainability and to strengthen local communities by generating or reinforcing extension programs.

Sources:

www.inta.gov.ar/sanluis/info/documents/SIGySR/pdf/UICN-I-ing.pdf

http://find.galegroup.com/, article: First Global Scientific conference supporting UN efforts to curb desertification opens in Argentina.

Erosion in Chile

In Chile erosion has been a problem over the years. The very hilly landscape of Chile is presented as a problem and leads to the increasing erositivity index. In the picture below shows the hilly mountanis regions, which are a contributing factor to the eriosion.

With the help of a lab report written by various members of the USDA and the Servicvio Agricola Ganadero SAG, I have concluded that rainfall is a huge contributing factor to the erosion of Chile. Because the rainfalls so infrequetntly, the soil contains less moisture thus deeming the affect of rainfall very important. Raindrops and running water can easily detach the loose soil particles. Another important agent is wind, because the particles are so loose they are easily blown around.

This picture illustrates the dryness of the soil. When the soil and water come into contact, the soil cracks.

Crop rotation is very important when looking at ways to prevent erosion. C Crovetto a writer in the lab report 'Soil Erosion and its Control Over Chile' says "the best way to reduce erosion is protect the soul surface with growing plants or crop residues. Several experiences have demonstrated that adequate crop management and crop rotations can minimize erosion." By rotating which and where crops are being planted, can minimize the amount or erosion in Chile. Another factor when preventing erosion is tillage. If farmers are 'tilling' too much it can break down soul aggregates. Zero tillage systems protect soils on steeper longer slopes or with high clay content such as Ultisol. Ultisol is the soil classification in Chile.

This graph explains the affects of tillage vs no-tillage systems.

Crovetto, C. "Soil erosion and its control in Chile."ACTA GEOLOGICA HISPANICA 35. (2000): 279-284. Web. 31 Oct 2010. .