2 causes of desertification and explain how they causes desertification
1. Overgrazing: Overgrazing is one of the major causes of desertification. When livestock are allowed to graze in an area beyond its carrying capacity, they remove too much vegetation leading to soil erosion, compaction, and the exposure of bare ground. The soil is then unable to hold water and nutrients, which is essential for plant growth, resulting in the area becoming increasingly barren.
2. Deforestation: Deforestation, especially in arid areas, can lead to desertification. Trees and other vegetation help to anchor the soil and protect it from wind and water erosion. When trees are cut down or burned, the soil is left exposed, and the roots die, leaving nothing to anchor the topsoil. The soil readily dries out and is blown away by wind or washed away by water, resulting in the area becoming a desert. In addition, when there are fewer trees and plants, there is less evapotranspiration, which is the process by which plants release moisture into the air, which can lead to reduced rainfall in the area and exacerbate desertification.