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(Environmental) Southern England What are the major concerns about soil erosion on arable land in Britain?

User Mkriheli
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Answer:

Soil nutrient loss

Algae blooms

Pollution of water ways

Step-by-step explanation:

Soil nutrient loss - a major concern as when soil erodes, this results in nutrient run off. Heavy rains can "wash away" essential nutrients within the soil therefore reducing the fertility of the land.

Algae blooms - when nutrients run off soil as a result of soil erosion they can leech into nearby fresh stream and even into salt water marine environments. This large increase of nutrients results in algae thriving and forming a layer across the top of the water. This reduces the oxygen and sunlight available to other marine plants and essentially suffocates plant and animal species.

Pollution of water ways - The sediment of soil that is eroded makes its way into fresh water ways can not only "bury" plant species and reduce biodiversity but it also reduces the water quality. It can introduce pathogens to the water from liverstock farming as well as introducing pesticides that may be harmful to wildlife.

User Drodri
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