2. Poor Farming Practices Exposing bare soil to wind and rainfall increases soil erosion. Plowing parallel to slopes Overgrazing by domestic animals Deforestation Construction

3. The economic cost of soil erosion in the U.S. has been estimated as $44 billion a year. Reduction of top soil depth impairs the lands productivity

5. Sediment creates muddy or turbid lakes and streams Sediment fills ponds, lakes, reservoirs and waterways

6. Erosion can cause undermining and structural damage to buildings, roads and other structures.

9. Terracing prevents rapid surface run-off & soil erosion Contour plowing across a slope following its elevation contour lines. The rows formed have the effect of slowing water run-off during rainstorms and allows for percolation.

10. Growing crops from year to year without tilling the soil. Known as “chemical farming”

11.  Terracing, cover crops and retaining walls in Machu Picchu, Peru. Built about 1450

13. Gabions (from Italian gabbione meaning "big cage) are wire cages filled with riprap. Used for erosion control Have some advantages over loose riprap: Modularity Ability to be stacked in various shapes Can conform to ground movement Can dissipate energy from flowing water Free draining

18. Cellular Confinement Systems