Management of Erosion Ravaged Soils of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Soil is among the most precious resources to humans on earth; and without the soil, life as we know it, would not exist. The soil is a finite resource that must be protected. This is more so, as the rate of land degradation and soil loss is becoming increasingly alarming across the globe. In southeastern Nigeria, gully erosion has already taken an immense toll on the socioeconomic and environmental wellbeing of the people. Soil erosion is one of the most destructive forms of land degradation on earth, with gully erosion as a major environmental hazard in Southeastern Nigeria. Many communities in Southeastern Nigeria have lost landmarks, lives and properties to soil erosion. This paper looks at the causes, impacts and management of soil erosion as a prerequisite to sustainable land resources use and management, and subsequently, sustainable agricultural production and food security.