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Deforestation generally increases rates of soil erosion, by increasing the amount of runoff and reducing the protection of the soil from tree litter.

Removal of trees does not always increase erosion rates.

The loss of trees causes erosion as the trees anchor the soil firmly to the ground

When an area is completely deforested for farming, the farmer typically burns the trees and vegetation to create a fertilizing layer of ash. After this slash-and-burn deforestation, the nutrient reservoir is lost, flooding and erosion rates are high, and soils often become unable to support crops in just a few years. If the area is then turned into cattle pasture, the ground may become compacted as well, slowing down or preventing forest recovery.

Soil erosion by water and wind account for 87% of the area affected by soil degradation.

Water or run-off induced soil erosion is the most serious process of land degradation and desertification in the country affecting about 107.1 mha of the country’s geographical area

Soil erosion causes the pollution of watercourses and the appearance of pests due to a breakup in the ecological balance.