What does soil erosion primarily lead to?

Soil erosion primarily leads to the loss of fertile topsoil and reduced agricultural productivity. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil and is crucial for plant growth because it contains essential nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms that support healthy crop development. When erosion occurs, this vital layer is removed, leading to a decline in soil fertility, which ultimately impacts agricultural yields negatively.

Additionally, as topsoil is lost, the remaining soil may become less capable of supporting plant life due to a decreased nutrient content and altered physical properties. This degradation can result in decreased agricultural productivity over time, making it harder for farmers to grow crops successfully, which can have broader implications for food supply and economic viability in agricultural communities.

Improvement in soil structure, increased biodiversity in the soil, and improved water retention are generally considered benefits that arise under optimal conditions where soil health is maintained. However, erosion tends to undermine these conditions, illustrating why the focus is on the detrimental effects of soil erosion on agricultural systems.