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Soil Erosion as effect of Deforestation[edit]

Introduction

Erosion could be defined as one of the earth’s surface processes that affects its landscape and is one of environmental problems. Erosions, include; soil erosion, water erosion, sheet erosion, gully erosion, channel erosion & wind erosion.

Soil erosion is mostly caused by flooding due to excessive raining, generally, most flooding  occurs where trees are not standing firm to wage the flood. Hence, it becomes obvious that deforestation can lead to serious flooding, thereby causing soil erosion. Consequently resulting in environmental hazards, that could cause lives, properties and other socio-economic damages. Soil Erosion as effect of Deforestation[edit]

Introduction

Erosion could be defined as one of the earth’s surface processes that affects its landscape and is one of environmental problems. Erosions, include; soil erosion, water erosion, sheet erosion, gully erosion, channel erosion & wind erosion. Soil erosion is mostly caused by flooding due to excessive raining, generally, most flooding  occurs where trees are not standing firm to wage the flood. Hence, it becomes obvious that deforestation can lead to serious flooding, thereby causing soil erosion. Consequently resulting in environmental hazards, that could cause lives, properties and other socio-economic damages.

Of all the soil erosion, gully erosion is most pronounced in some parts of Nigeria where it takes place, especially in the south eastern (SE) parts of Nigeria. Egbueri et al. (2021) and Ofomaata (2002) noted that the highest threat to environment setting in SE is gradual but constant dissection of landscape by soil erosion. Also Ehiorobo and Oagirigbo (2013) stated that gully erosion is a highly visible form of soil erosion that results in a large volume of soil and sediment transport. Okpala, (1990), Adekalu et al., (2007) and Igbokwe (2020), established from their respective works that gulley erosion was one of the worst environmental disasters which many towns and villages are facing in South eastern Nigeria. To be able to control or manage the gully erosion, it becomes necessary that the causes of the gully erosion be understood. It has been observed that soil erosion is the most serious mechanism of land degradation in the tropics (El-Swaify et al.1982)

Causes of soil erosion and degradation include;

Deforestation, overgrazing Agricultural practices, Roads and Urbanization.

For all the mentioned types of erosion, one thing common is that their impact is felt on the soil. The most prominent and dominant one in the South East region is the gully erosion. It has been ascertained by some researchers that the geology of the area has a lot to do with the propagation of gullies. It has equally been found that gully erosion in Nigeria and South East in particular is predominantly observed in the sedimentary terrains.

We have both natural and anthropogenic causes. The former include climatic factors, plate tectonics, uplift, geotechnical properties of soil etc. While the later include deforestation, mining activities, farming and uncontrolled grazing practices (Asiabaka,1991; Abulfatai et al. 2014; Uhuegbu, and John, 2017).

1.     Effects of erosion (gully) in South East[edit]

There are, but numerous, which include but not limited to the following;

i.               Effect on properties: The erosion menace has affected many homes, thereby rendering many homeless. Many houses and properties have been destroyed. Roads have been lost to erosion and many places are inaccessible. This has affected our economy terribly.

ii. Effect on Life: People have lost their lives and continue to loss their lives due to problems created by gully erosions. Some are perpetually suffering from one sickness to another as a result of the erosion.

iii. Farmland destruction:  Very large acres of farmland have been lost as a result of gully erosion. Consequently, there is a terrible decrease in agricultural productivity and invariably food shortage, resulting to famine which implies food security.

iv. Vegetation Lost: The same gully erosion has resulted to lost of vegetation and falling of trees.

v.              Loss of Land: It is due to gully erosion that infertile and barren lands emerge. The inhabitants suffer these effects and live miserably if the land is not reclaimed.

vi. All the above are attributed to Tree felling – deforestation.

2.               Strategies to minimize or stop gully erosion include:[edit]

(i)             Planting of relevant grasses, trees and plantain/banana suckers; replacement of felled trees -afforestation. This is a very effective method and it is very cheap.

(ii)            Government or relevant authorities should promulgate laws that should control cutting of trees that prevent erosion, or location of engineering structure on waterways.

(iii)          Issues concerning erosion should be taken seriously by Nigerian government and address it with top priority. This will save lives and properties and aid sustainable development.

(iv)           Government should also enforce laws to stop dumping of refuse on the river channels and/or flood plains, this should be strongly prohibited. This is to allow free flow of water so as to avoid flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall.

(v)            Research findings should be fully implemented as recommended.

       3.          Future consequences if erosion menace in Nigeria is not addressed.[edit]

(i)              Over time, roads would be totally inaccessible and of course, its implication is versed.

There will be no free movement; business/trades will be slowed down. This will invariably affect our lives, health and economy, hence there will be no sustainable development.

(ii)            There will be no social, environment and economic balance hence, unstable situation prevails. This definitely leads to none sustainable development but sustainable offers possibility of quality life, balanced by economic growth and ecological preservation, so it is necessary condition for development of a nation. We note that sustainable has a lot to do with society, environment and economy, where these three states are in stable equilibrium, sustainable development is achieved.

(iii)          Erosion could lead to loss of facilities and infrastructure for research, hence, none conducive atmosphere for learning, teaching and research work in a nation.

(iv)           Domestic production in agriculture, rural development, energy and environment, health, food security etc, all will be negatively affected. This simply implies that there will be no development in such a nation.

(v)            Finally, if erosion is not checked or prevented, it will enhance climate change, since climate change impact is severe, these include; food security, agricultural productivity, ecological degradation, health, flooding etc.

(vi)           A  Disaster, danger and doom will be the gain for Nigeria if we ignore and neglect  addressing this crucial issue.

4.  [edit]

It has been recorded from most field observations that factors that aid gully erosion are; climate change, deforestation and some of the anthropogenic factors. Some control measures to check the gulley erosion include; afforestation and other agro programs. It is suggested that government will develop a strong policy on deforestation and setup committee that will enforce the implantation, for it to become a reality not just a concept. This is very crucial as most times we have very wonderful ideas, but implementation has always eluded us in Nigeria.

5.     References

1.    ^ Egbueri, J. C. Igwe, O. and Unigwe, C. O. (2021) Gully slope distribution characteristics and stability analysis for soil erosion risk ranking in part of southern Nigeria: a case study. Environ Earth Science, 80:292.

2.    ^ Ofomta, G. E. K. (2002). Soils and soil Erosion. Ln: Ofomata, G. E. K.(Ed) A survey of the Igbo nation. African first publishers Ltd.

3.    ^ Ehiorobo, J. O. and Ogirigbo, O. R. (2013). Gully morphology and Gully Erosion Control in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Advanced Materials Research, 824, 173.

4.    ^ ''Okpala, John (2021). "Soil Erosion in South East Nigeria". Nigerian Journal of soil science. 3 (2): 15–21.''

5.    ^ Okpala, A. O. (1990). Nigerian population growth and its implications for economic development Scadindinvian. J. Dev. Altern., 9(4): 63-77.

6.    ^ Adekalu, K. O., Olorunfemi, I. A. and Osunbitan, J. A. (2007). Grass mulching effect on infiltration, surface runoff and soil loss of three agricultural soils in Nigeria. Bioresource Technology, 98(4): 912-917.

7.    ^ Igboekwe, M. U., Eke, A. B., Adama, J. C. and Ihekeaba, G. (2020) The use of vertical electrical sounding (VES) in the evaluation of erosion in Abia State University, Uturu and its environs. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 13(2): 509-520.

8.    ^ El-Swaify, S. A. Dangler, E. W. and Amstrong, C. L. (1982)Soil Erosion by Water in the Tropics, University of Hawaii/HITAHR-CTAHR Research and Extension Series 24,173.

9.    ^ ''Igwe, C. A. (2012). Research on soil erosion. IntechOpen. ISBN 9789535108399.''

10. ^ Asiabaka, C. C. (1991).Socio-Economic impact of Erosion on flood and Erosion in Cross -River State, Calabar, Dec. 18-20 pp.113-123.

11. ^ Abdulfatai, I. A., Akande, W. G. Momoh, L. O. and Ibrahim, K. nO. (2014).”Review of gully erosion in Nigeria: causes, impact and possible solutions” Journal of Geosciences and Geometrics, 2(3): 125-129.

12. ^. Uhuegbu, C. A. and John, U. J. (2017)Geophysical and Geotechnical Evaluation of Erosion Sites in Ebem-Ohafia Area of Abia State, Southern Nigeria. Advances in Research, 10(3):1-14.

Categories:

·       Draft articles on earth and environment

·       AfC submissions on other topics

·       Pending AfC submissions

·       AfC pending submissions by age/0 days ago

·       AfC submissions by date/14 August 2023

Gulley erosion at University of Nigeria secondary school, Nsukka, South East

Of all the soil erosion, gully erosion is most pronounced in some parts of Nigeria where it takes place, especially in the south eastern (SE) parts of Nigeria. Egbueri et al. (2021) and Ofomaata (2002) noted that the highest threat to environment setting in SE is gradual but constant dissection of landscape by soil erosion. Also Ehiorobo and Oagirigbo (2013) stated that gully erosion is a highly visible form of soil erosion that results in a large volume of soil and sediment transport. Okpala, (1990), Adekalu et al., (2007) and Igbokwe (2020), established from their respective works that gulley erosion was one of the worst environmental disasters which many towns and villages are facing in South eastern Nigeria. To be able to control or manage the gully erosion, it becomes necessary that the causes of the gully erosion be understood. It has been observed that soil erosion is the most serious mechanism of land degradation in the tropics (El-Swaify et al.1982)

Causes of soil erosion and degradation include;

Deforestation, overgrazing Agricultural practices, Roads and Urbanization.

For all the mentioned types of erosion, one thing common is that their impact is felt on the soil. The most prominent and dominant one in the South East region is the gully erosion. It has been ascertained by some researchers that the geology of the area has a lot to do with the propagation of gullies. It has equally been found that gully erosion in Nigeria and South East in particular is predominantly observed in the sedimentary terrains.

We have both natural and anthropogenic causes. The former include climatic factors, plate tectonics, uplift, geotechnical properties of soil etc. While the later include deforestation, mining activities, farming and uncontrolled grazing practices (Asiabaka,1991; Abulfatai et al. 2014; Uhuegbu, and John, 2017).

1.     Effects of erosion (gully) in South East[edit]

There are, but numerous, which include but not limited to the following;

i.               Effect on properties: The erosion menace has affected many homes, thereby rendering many homeless. Many houses and properties have been destroyed. Roads have been lost to erosion and many places are inaccessible. This has affected our economy terribly.

ii. Effect on Life: People have lost their lives and continue to loss their lives due to problems created by gully erosions. Some are perpetually suffering from one sickness to another as a result of the erosion.

iii. Farmland destruction:  Very large acres of farmland have been lost as a result of gully erosion. Consequently, there is a terrible decrease in agricultural productivity and invariably food shortage, resulting to famine which implies food security.

iv. Vegetation Lost: The same gully erosion has resulted to lost of vegetation and falling of trees.

v.              Loss of Land: It is due to gully erosion that infertile and barren lands emerge. The inhabitants suffer these effects and live miserably if the land is not reclaimed.

vi. All the above are attributed to Tree felling – deforestation.

2.               Strategies to minimize or stop gully erosion include:[edit]

(i)             Planting of relevant grasses, trees and plantain/banana suckers; replacement of felled trees -afforestation. This is a very effective method and it is very cheap.

(ii)            Government or relevant authorities should promulgate laws that should control cutting of trees that prevent erosion, or location of engineering structure on waterways.

(iii)          Issues concerning erosion should be taken seriously by Nigerian government and address it with top priority. This will save lives and properties and aid sustainable development.

(iv)           Government should also enforce laws to stop dumping of refuse on the river channels and/or flood plains, this should be strongly prohibited. This is to allow free flow of water so as to avoid flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall.

(v)            Research findings should be fully implemented as recommended.

       3.          Future consequences if erosion menace in Nigeria is not addressed.[edit]

(i)              Over time, roads would be totally inaccessible and of course, its implication is versed.

There will be no free movement; business/trades will be slowed down. This will invariably affect our lives, health and economy, hence there will be no sustainable development.

(ii)            There will be no social, environment and economic balance hence, unstable situation prevails. This definitely leads to none sustainable development but sustainable offers possibility of quality life, balanced by economic growth and ecological preservation, so it is necessary condition for development of a nation. We note that sustainable has a lot to do with society, environment and economy, where these three states are in stable equilibrium, sustainable development is achieved.

(iii)          Erosion could lead to loss of facilities and infrastructure for research, hence, none conducive atmosphere for learning, teaching and research work in a nation.

(iv)           Domestic production in agriculture, rural development, energy and environment, health, food security etc, all will be negatively affected. This simply implies that there will be no development in such a nation.

(v)            Finally, if erosion is not checked or prevented, it will enhance climate change, since climate change impact is severe, these include; food security, agricultural productivity, ecological degradation, health, flooding etc.

(vi)           A  Disaster, danger and doom will be the gain for Nigeria if we ignore and neglect  addressing this crucial issue.

4.  [edit]

It has been recorded from most field observations that factors that aid gully erosion are; climate change, deforestation and some of the anthropogenic factors. Some control measures to check the gulley erosion include; afforestation and other agro programs. It is suggested that government will develop a strong policy on deforestation and setup committee that will enforce the implantation, for it to become a reality not just a concept. This is very crucial as most times we have very wonderful ideas, but implementation has always eluded us in Nigeria.

5.     References

1.    ^ Egbueri, J. C. Igwe, O. and Unigwe, C. O. (2021) Gully slope distribution characteristics and stability analysis for soil erosion risk ranking in part of southern Nigeria: a case study. Environ Earth Science, 80:292.

2.    ^ Ofomta, G. E. K. (2002). Soils and soil Erosion. Ln: Ofomata, G. E. K.(Ed) A survey of the Igbo nation. African first publishers Ltd.

3.    ^ Ehiorobo, J. O. and Ogirigbo, O. R. (2013). Gully morphology and Gully Erosion Control in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Advanced Materials Research, 824, 173.

4.    ^ ''Okpala, John (2021). "Soil Erosion in South East Nigeria". Nigerian Journal of soil science. 3 (2): 15–21.''

5.    ^ Okpala, A. O. (1990). Nigerian population growth and its implications for economic development Scadindinvian. J. Dev. Altern., 9(4): 63-77.

6.    ^ Adekalu, K. O., Olorunfemi, I. A. and Osunbitan, J. A. (2007). Grass mulching effect on infiltration, surface runoff and soil loss of three agricultural soils in Nigeria. Bioresource Technology, 98(4): 912-917.

7.    ^ Igboekwe, M. U., Eke, A. B., Adama, J. C. and Ihekeaba, G. (2020) The use of vertical electrical sounding (VES) in the evaluation of erosion in Abia State University, Uturu and its environs. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 13(2): 509-520.

8.    ^ El-Swaify, S. A. Dangler, E. W. and Amstrong, C. L. (1982)Soil Erosion by Water in the Tropics, University of Hawaii/HITAHR-CTAHR Research and Extension Series 24,173.

9.    ^ ''Igwe, C. A. (2012). Research on soil erosion. IntechOpen. ISBN 9789535108399.''

10. ^ Asiabaka, C. C. (1991).Socio-Economic impact of Erosion on flood and Erosion in Cross -River State, Calabar, Dec. 18-20 pp.113-123.

11. ^ Abdulfatai, I. A., Akande, W. G. Momoh, L. O. and Ibrahim, K. nO. (2014).”Review of gully erosion in Nigeria: causes, impact and possible solutions” Journal of Geosciences and Geometrics, 2(3): 125-129.

12. ^. Uhuegbu, C. A. and John, U. J. (2017)Geophysical and Geotechnical Evaluation of Erosion Sites in Ebem-Ohafia Area of Abia State, Southern Nigeria. Advances in Research, 10(3):1-14.

Categories:

·       Draft articles on earth and environment

·       AfC submissions on other topics

·       Pending AfC submissions

·       AfC pending submissions by age/0 days ago

·       AfC submissions by date/14 August 2023