Question

The major factors affecting soil erosion are:
(A) Climatic factors
(B) Degree and length of slope
(C) Size and shape of watershed
(D) Depth of Soil
(E) Ground water level
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) models soil loss as \( A = R \cdot K \cdot L \cdot S \cdot C \cdot P \).
Here, \( R \) represents climatic erosivity, and \( L \cdot S \) represents the topographic slope length and steepness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil erosion is the detachment and transportation of soil particles from their original place by erosive agents such as water and wind.
The intensity and volume of erosion depend on key physical and environmental factors associated with climate, topography, and watershed characteristics.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the major factors influencing soil erosion:
Climatic factors (A) include rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, wind speed, and temperature.
Rainfall is the primary driver of water erosion, where the kinetic energy of raindrops detaches soil particles, and subsequent runoff transports them.
Thus, (A) is a major factor.
The degree and length of slope (B) represent the topographic factors.
Steeper and longer slopes increase the velocity and volume of surface runoff, which exponentially increases its shearing force and carrying capacity.
Thus, (B) is a major factor.
The size and shape of the watershed (C) govern how runoff accumulates and concentrates.
A compact, fan-shaped watershed has a shorter time of concentration and higher peak runoff compared to a long, narrow watershed, directly influencing water erosion rates.
Thus, (C) is a major factor.
While soil characteristics (like texture and structure) affect soil erodibility, the static depth of the soil (D) does not directly determine the immediate rate of erosion.
Groundwater level (E) has a negligible direct effect on surface soil erosion compared to active surface runoff and rainfall dynamics.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The major factors affecting soil erosion are Climatic factors, Degree and length of slope, and Size and shape of watershed.