Soil erosion is the process of the detachment and movement of soil particles from the point of origination through the action of water or wind. It is a natural process, but human activities can intensify it, leading to negative environmental, societal, and economic impacts. The main causes of soil erosion are:

• Rainfall and Flooding: Higher intensity of rainstorms is the main cause of soil erosion. Four types of soil erosion are caused by rainfall: splash erosion, sheet erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion.
• Farming Practices: Agricultural activities disturb the ground, and the land is left exposed to the elements for weeks or months. Most of the soil is eroded during winters, and the tires of tractors make grooves on the land, making a natural pathway for water.
• Removal of Vegetation: Soil erosion can occur when there is no vegetation to absorb the water, hold dirt in place, or break up the energy of falling raindrops.
• Wildfires: Trees and shrubs slow down water run-offs. When forests or buffer zones are destroyed by wildfires, water streams have no obstacles in their way.
• Poor Land Management: Deforestation for urban area expansion, tourism development, road construction, and more can cause soil erosion.

Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile land, decreased soil fertility, and increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways and causing declines in fish and other species. To prevent soil erosion, it is important to minimize the impact of water or wind forces, which can be achieved through sustainable land use practices such as cover crops, perennial grasses, or terrace farming.