The soil corresponds to the superficial layer of the earth's crust, being mainly formed by mineral agglomerates and organic matter resulting from the decomposition of animals and plants.
This natural element undergoes several transformations, a natural phenomenon that can be aggravated by human action. Soil modifications can be caused by the action of rain, wind, rivers, paving, city construction, etc.
Erosion, for example, is one of the most worrying soil changes. This process consists of the displacement of soil by the action of rain, rivers or winds, in which soil particles are dragged to the lower areas of the terrain.
Another land change that causes significant environmental damage is desertification. This phenomenon, common in arid and semi-arid and sub-humid regions, is characterized by the loss of the soil's productive capacity. Fires and deforestation contribute to the loss of substances from the soil.
Therefore, erosion, desertification and other soil modifications can occur due to natural factors, however, they are accelerated by the action of the man, especially through fires, deforestation, inadequate agricultural techniques, mining, expansion of urban areas and waterproofing of the ground.
Therefore, some measures are necessary to preserve the soil, such as the maintenance of vegetation cover, reforestation, construction planning, less harmful agricultural techniques to the soil, reduction of deforestation and fires, among others.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
