The topsoil is the topmost layer of the soil, and it protects the other layers. When there is soil disturbance, the topsoil becomes indistinguishable. If you want your plants to grow and survive, you must preserve the topsoil. Any form of soil disruption may lead to low soil quality. It is, therefore, crucial that you execute soil stabilization to preserve the topsoil for higher plant yields.
What To Know About Topsoil And Its Importance?
You must have heard of the word topsoil and probably wondered what it was and what's its importance. Read on to find out what topsoil is and its significance.
What Is Topsoil?
If you have been to a riverbank, then you must have noticed a dark-colored layer at the top of the soil. That top layer of the soil is the topsoil. Topsoils vary depending on the geographical areas, human activities as well as the climate. The topsoil is rich in nutrients and minerals fit for plants' growth and survival.
For the topsoil to be regarded as fertile, it must contain a high concentration of minerals such as potassium and iron. When the topsoil is dark, it is usually very productive and has a robust earthly smell. This soil further retains a lot of water needed by the plant, even in dry seasons.
Why Is Soil Important?
* Food security backbone
Without fertile soils, you cannot farm to get food to feed your family. Healthy soils support plant roots and keep them upright, and in turn, you get food from these plants.
* Essential for plants growth
The soil is an essential part of the growth of plants. This is because it provides the required nutrients and minerals for the plants to grow.
* Habitat for soil microbes
Soil microbes are organisms that live in the soil to provide nutrients to the plants, among other tasks.
* Job opportunities
Employment of people in agricultural and food-related industries has created more job opportunities. According to studies, about 11% of US employment has people working on soils daily.
* Protects the plant's roots
The roots of the plant are mostly beneath the soil. Therefore the plants are well protected from erosion and other physical or chemical activities. For them to grow, it also helps to hold water for the plants.
* Soil is a home for some organisms
Some organisms such as the worms and termites live in the soil. It further acts as the breeding space for this organism and insects.
Top Threats To Soil Conservation
* Soil erosion
Soil erosion is the washing away of the topsoil and could be caused by wind or water erosion
* Poor farming practices
Some farming practices that you use may lead to the depletion of soil nutrition and further reduce your crop yield.
* Deforestation
Continued careless cutting down of trees exposes the topsoil, which reduces its capacity to hold water and soil aeration.
* Using excess chemicals
Excessive application of farm fertilizers kills the soil organisms that help to bind the soil. These chemicals further denature the essential soil nutrients.
* Overgrazing
When overgrazing, the soil particles are broken down, and this increases the rate of soil erosion occurrences. This results in poor soil quality and reduced yields.
* Urbanization
People are moving to urban areas, which has resulted in cutting trees to create space for homes. When you cut down trees, the topsoil is likely to be washed away by the rain or wind.
What Can We Do?
Soil degradation is a significant problem as it lowers the plant's yield production. When the topsoil is destroyed and the soil disturbed, you should act accordingly to prevent further damages. Building gabions will help reduce soil erosion.
Planting of trees will fill the bare spaces on the ground that is prone to soil erosion. Utilizing the growth of cover crops will improve the soil structure and stabilize the soil moisture and temperature. Always avoid mono-cropping as it leads to soil exhaustion. Ensure that you don't consequently use excessive fertilizers and chemicals on the soil.
Promoting sustainable agriculture through the preservation of the topsoil will see the production of surplus food annually. All this will only happen if you practice the appropriate farming activities that will maintain the soil's fertility and productivity.
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