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. .