What primarily causes soil erosion?

Soil erosion is primarily caused by the actions of wind or water, both of which can displace soil particles and transport them away from their original location. Water erosion occurs through processes such as rainfall runoff, where raindrops hit the soil surface and dislodge particles, leading to their movement along slopes or into waterways. This can be exacerbated by factors such as the slope of the land, vegetation cover, and soil type. Wind erosion is significant in arid and semi-arid regions, where strong winds can lift loose, dry soil particles into the air, resulting in the loss of topsoil and degradation of land.

While excess moisture can contribute to erosion by increasing runoff and saturating the soil, it is not the primary cause; rather, it acts more as a facilitator of erosion processes. Pest infestations can damage vegetation, which in turn can make soil more susceptible to erosion, but they do not directly cause erosion themselves. Similarly, heavy machinery can lead to soil compaction and surface disruption, but the fundamental forces that cause soil erosion are wind and water. Therefore, recognizing the pivotal role of these natural agents is crucial in understanding soil erosion dynamics.