Clearing of land has been there for a long time. But what makes it so significant now is that the current generation is wary of the negative effects it has on the environment.
Clearing land leads to soil erosion, extinction of species, increase in greenhouse gas emissions, salinity in water used by people and animals, sedimentation of oceans among many others.
We are in a generation that is more aware of how important environmental conservation is to the world. Land clearing is seen as a way of damaging the environment as it destroys ecosystems vital to the way of life.
Sure, people need to eat and have a place to live but they shouldn’t do it at the expense of the well being of the environment. In most cases, farmers and developers clear the land for agricultural and real estate purposes.
How does land clearing affect the environment?
The wellbeing of the environment depends on a lot of elements working together. If one or more of these factors is affected, the whole balance is lost. Take greenhouses gases for instance. Plants take up most of the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and give out oxygen in return. When the plants and trees are cleared, the level of CO2 in the air increases which ultimately leads to an increase in temperatures.
Land clearing will also increase land salinity which in turn affects the levels of salt in the soil. In the long run, this leads to the pollution of rivers and oceans as well as the water people drink.
Cleaning the land for whatever reason will have adverse effects on the environment. Starting from soil erosion and soil degradation to sedimentations of rivers and erosions.
How does land clearing cause erosion?
It’s clear for all to see that land clearing will leave the land bear. Where there was a forest, open spaces are now the theme. Where there were plants and vegetation cover, the earth is left bear. Now, when this happens water and other agents will carry the soil away.
Where there was beautiful scenery becomes bare with valleys and gallies appear. The eroded soil finds its way to the river and finally to the oceans where sedimentation leads to losses on fishing. High alkaline water adversely affects the ocean ecosystem.
Trees often act as a barrier to erosion as they break down wind minimizing its effects in the process. On top, their roots help to anchor and tie-down soil. It’s hard for the soil to erode in forests as the roots usually hold it down. Cut down the trees and you expose the soil beneath it to wind and water. In the end, the soil will be eroded easily.
So, how does land clearing cause erosion? It leaves the land bare and open to agents of erosion. This is why services such as erosion control in Queensland AU, and in other areas, are so important to stop this from continuing, especially in this day and age where we known more about our environment and how we can help it thrive.
So, how does land rearing cause erosion? It leaves the land bare and open to agents of erosion.
What are the negative effects of land clearing?
Land clearing has been associated with lots of disadvantages. Here are some of them;
This leads to soil erosion
When you clear land and take down trees, you are leaving it bear and open for erosion. Open lands are prone to the top and even deep layers of soil eroding. In the end, the land loses its fertility and usefulness.
Accelerates rates of extinction
By removing plants and animals in their native land, you are creating a void in the ecosystem. New plants and animals will invade the area which will increase the chances of extinction of native plants and animals. Imagine being a part of completely wiping out a species. Shocking!
Increases land salinity
Roots are vital in keeping underwater levels low. This is paramount in ensuring that the salinity of the soil above remains low. The amount of salt in the soil is essential as the higher the salinity the lower the chances of plant growth.
By uprooting the trees, the level of salinity increases as the groundwater rises.
An increase in land salinity is bad news for plants, animals and ultimately humans as the water sources become polluted.
Increase in the release of greenhouse gases
Science dictates that plants are responsible for taking up most of the CO2 in the atmosphere. Now, when they are cut down in the name of clearing, there will be an increase in carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere which leads to temperature rising.
What are the advantages of clearing land?
For all the negatives that come with clearing land, there is some good that comes with it. Here are ways in which land clearing can be of benefit to people;
- Improves security and wellbeing
In most cases, land that is uninhabited tends to house all manner of pests and unwanted animals. Read snakes. If there is a neighbourhood nearby, the pests and animals can cause great harm and danger to the inhabitants.
- Increases usability
Clearing tends to open land for more uses. Where it was hard to access, the clearing opens up roads, residential areas and more uses for land that was idle.
- Decreases chances of fire
Rotten tree stumps, dry leaves and lots of bushes are a fire hazard. Clearing all this will reduce the chances of wildfires.
- Improves plant growth
When plants are crowded in one place, competition for sunlight and nutrients is cut-throat. When clearing is done, there is more room for better and healthier plants and trees.
