What's more, intensive production of animal feed, in particular maize, has resulted in severe soil degradation and water shortages.
However, more than 200 years of cotton and corn (maize) cultivation has contributed to severe soil erosion.
"It is particularly disturbing that these vehicles tear up streams, pollute the water, cause severe soil erosion and destroy wildlife habitat in backcountry wilderness areas that are supposed to be protected".
Most of the oblast lies in a dry steppe zone of grass and some sage on fertile soils, but almost all has been plowed, causing severe soil erosion and gullying, especially on the uplands.
The farmers say the pipeline caused severe soil erosion and sedimentation of fields and water sources, reduced vegetation coverage and areas for pasture, and blocked water sources, significantly reducing the productivity of their farms.
Soil with very severe soil erosion is considered a K value of 0.4.
The area has been extensively affected by severe soil erosion, thereby reducing its potential for agriculture.
It has been so common to see severe soil wind erosion in the area during the dry season.
The occasional intense events cause severe soil erosion on the long, cultivated slopes of highly erodible soils.
Fig. 7 Example landscapes for Dembia woreda being affected by flooding and severe soil erosion [Author's Field Photo, 2013].
Pyrite in acid sulfate soils can get oxidised during drought resulting in severe soil and water acidification (pH < 4).
