Factor affecting soil erodibility

1) Structural/ aggregate stability: microbial activity and OM and clay content in soil; dry soil- high possibility of breaking soil aggregates, nature of cations present in soil (if Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations are present’ more stable aggregates BUT, Na+ susceptible to break down of soil aggregates)

2) Infiltration capacity: greater infiltration, less runoff, factors affecting infiltration: OM content, soil texture, kind and amount of swelling clay, tendency to crust and presence of impervious soil layers

3) Particle size: fine textured clay, infiltration is low and high runoff, very fine textured soil, susceptible to erosion BUT, medium textured loam or fine sandy loam soils- least susceptible to erosion. Erodibility decreases with an increase of large sand grains and rock fragments because these large particles are not easily moved with water.

4)Surface roughness: small ridges and furrows obstruct down flow of runoff BUT, smooth surface will permit an easy pass way for runoff water

5)Extent of soil aggregation: aggregated soil, high infiltration; stable aggregates, detachment is more difficult, Aggregated soil reduces the amount of soil erosion Clay and organic matter help improve aggregate stability and reduce erodibility.

6) Living or dead roots: increase aggregate stability and decrease erodibility.