What is the difference between soil degradation and soil erosion ?
Soil erosion is the loss of soil by wind or water. The removal of humus from the A-horizon or the exposure of a clay-rich B-horizon is a type of soil degradation. Soils can be degraded by compaction or the destruction of soil aggregates 2, resulting in less aeration and slower water movement. Soils can be degraded by the accumulation of salts, acidity 3, excessive nutrients, or pollutants. A change in the properties of a soil caused by human activity that reduces the vitality of the soil ecosystem is degradation or loss of soil quality 1.
