How Does Rainfall Impact Soil Erosion?

Rain is good for all life on Earth, but there are cases when rainfall causes significant destruction. For example, rain that falls on the ground wets the soil. When the soil is wet enough, it dislodges from its location and shifts.

This blog explores how rainwater causes soil erosion. Read on to understand the intricate relationship between rainfall and soil erosion.

All You Need to Know About Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are forcefully removed from the surface, either by rainwater or moving wind. Before we can understand how rain causes soil erosion, let’s explore some of the different types of soil erosion.

• Splash Erosion: As the name suggests, splash erosion occurs when raindrops hit the ground with significant force, dispersing soil particles from the surface.
• Rill Erosion: Rill erosion is a type of soil erosion that occurs when water seeps down deeply into the soil, forming fast-flowing channels. The channels, which can go up to 12 inches deep, detach and transport soil particles.
• Gully Erosion: Gully erosion occurs when rainfall causes advanced damage to the land. Gully erosion occurs when water forms channels that go beyond 12 inches deep. The moving water causes extensive soil loss, leaving deep gulleys behind.
• Sheet Erosion: Sheet erosion occurs when rainfall falls intensely on the ground and all the water doesn’t infiltrate into the soil. The remaining water on the surface of the soil flows and carries with it the finest particles of the soil.
• Tunnel Erosion: Tunnel erosion is a hidden type of land damage caused by water that creates tunnels below the surface of the soil.

Why Soil Erosion Is a Major Environmental Issue

Soil erosion caused by rainfall should not be left unchecked because it eventually leaves the ground surface without the nutrients needed to sustain plant life. This is worse for farmers who intend to nurture crops on land whose soil has been washed away. Too much water on the ground surface also becomes a home for fungi, bacteria, and mold, making the soil unsuitable for any form of plant life. Eventually, soil erosion caused by rainfall depletes farmlands and causes deep gullies that make some areas uninhabitable.

Why It Is Important to Adopt Preventative Measures in Soil Erosion Cases

Rainwater doesn’t have to cause soil erosion if preventative measures are taken in preparation for its arrival. Given that topsoil is critical for the continued production of human food, it is critical to stabilize slopes and manage runoffs using techniques such as geotextile fabrics or drainage improvements. At Erosion Management Services, we provide drainage solutions in Johns Creek to enhance the drainage capabilities of residential properties. Call us today to schedule an appointment.