*2.7.2 Obstruction of waterways*

In addition to fertilizers and other chemicals, agricultural soil also contains pesticides and insecticides. Thus, the waterways where the soil flows get contaminated. Flooding results from sediments building up in the water and increasing water levels [29].

### *2.7.3 Polluting the air*

The mixing of dust particles in the atmosphere is the main source of air pollution. When inhaled, some toxic compounds, such as petroleum and insecticides, can be quite dangerous. When the winds blow, the arid and semiarid regions' dust plumes generate extensive pollution [30].

### *2.7.4 Desertification*

Soil erosion is a primary contributor to desertification, transforming habitable areas into deserts. Deforestation and damaging land use exacerbate the situation, resulting in biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and ecosystem changes [31].

## *2.7.5 Infrastructure destruction*

Soil silt deposition in dams and along their banks might limit their efficiency. As a result, it has an impact on infrastructure projects such as dams, embankments, and drainage [24].

### *2.7.6 Losses of topsoil*

The removal of topsoil by water or wind has a significant negative impact on field fertility since it is the layer of the ground that contains the most organic matter and nutrients. This is why soil erosion on agricultural land is so important. Additionally, rills or gullies make it very difficult to cultivate eroded fields [32].

#### *2.7.7 Soil acidification*

The agricultural ground may become more acidic due to a lack of organic matter, delaying crop growth, and exposing it to water and wind [33].

#### *2.7.8 Losses in planting material*

Due to agricultural losses and decreased farmer profitability, water streams and dust storms kill seedlings and remove seeds from the fields [34].

#### *2.7.9 Water contaminant*

Other implications of soil erosion include sedimentation and the deterioration of irrigation water quality due to chemical pollution of water bodies from the crops [35].

#### **2.8 Soil erosion affects the environment**

There are other problems beside the detrimental consequences on agriculture. Plants and aquatic life suffer due to soil erosion, which also results in biodiversity loss, sedimentation, and frequent flooding [36].
