Effects of wind erosion

• Soil fertility is reduced because of the loss of the plant nutrients that are concentrated on fine soil particles and organic matter in the topsoil. This reduces the soils capacity to support productive pastures and sustain biodiversity.
• Erosion at the base of bushes and plants can result in the plant being isolated and ground cover being thinned out.
• Sand grains transported by strong winds can damage vegetation in their path by sandblasting.
• Air pollution caused by fine particles in suspension can affect people’s health and cause other problems.
• The effects of soil erosion can be felt both on-site, meaning at the site of soil disruption, or off-site, meaning the location where the eroded soil deposits.
• When the topsoil is eroded from an area, that area loses its most nutrient-rich layer, and therefore soil quality is reduced.
• Poor soil quality means smaller crop yields and may even wash away seeds and small plants. This may call for more of a need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which can runoff of fields and contaminate waterways.
• Also, when the organic matter that is found within the top layer of soil is removed, it can weaken the soil’s ability to hold water, leaving the field susceptible to weather conditions such as droughts.