ABSTRACT
Soil erosion is the loss of soil from the surface of the Earth (Fig. 1). It is a two-stage process with detachment of soil particles preceding transport by the agency of water or wind. It is a natural process occurring at relatively low rates, but which may be accelerated by human actions. Most erosion is associated with the formation of rills and gullies. Erosion has serious impacts on the fertility of soils, on water quality, and on reservoir storage capacity. Assessment of actual and potential erosion risk is necessary so that measures can be taken to prevent the loss of soil.
