How construction leads to soil erosion
This research article covers everything from the causes of soil erosion to its detriments such as causing plantation vegetation to diminished, or causing a regions ecosystem to become otherwise different than expected. While soil erosion has been observed for decades, it was only until recently that people became more acutely aware of just how destructive and fundamentally harmful it is to region’s ecosystems, precipitation patterns and plant life. There is the high potential for soil erosion to cause epidemiological trails at different communities since illnesses like pneumonia can be worsened by weak pathogens that are common with certain type of plants and in certain areas where they grow.
Construction of major infrastructures like bridges, dams, ports and tunnels inevitably results in soil erosion. Parts of the soil may be pushed up due to the foundation construction, compaction pressure from smashing rock onto each other during mining work, or mix of new soils embedded to older soils by glacial activity. For example, a 2011 study led by researchers at Wageningen University showed that 7% of all sediment that has been washed out rivers in 18 countries comes from construction work. This sediment is transported downstream and affect ecosystems such as spawning grounds for fish and wetlands bear important food webs including many migratory birds species that pass through these areas.
Soil erosion affects natural habitats and biodiversity by removing surface vegetation cover or topsoil leading to water loss or evaporation pore tight inhibits water plants.
Land grading, excavation, soil rehabilitation and stockpiling all contribute to the movement of soil. Construction activities are a leading cause of soil erosion on construction sites.
The use of heavy machinery can cause major disruption in the natural water flow at construction sites. We must plan ahead by undertaking preventive measures like building retaining walls or digging haul and blanket drains so that we do not contribute to increased vulnerability to natural disasters and ecosystem disruption.https://youmatter.world/en/definition/soil-erosion-degradation-definition/
