1. Erosion and Soil Degradation
During the 1930s, the United States and Canada experienced extremely harsh economic times, not just because of the Great Depression, but also because of drought and soil erosion. We are clearly dependent on weather conditions to maintain the cycles we need to produce the food we eat-but is this merely something left to nature, or do we have a role to play? Can you answer the following? What effect has increased human population had on the world's soil systems? How does water erosion become a problem? How is this problem reduced? What suggestions can be made to stop soil erosion, or even enhance the soil? Why do many farmers choose not to use these techniques?

You can explore the role that you can play in the mechanisms of soil degradation and erosion by following the recommended links below.

Consider This Before Answering the Questions
During the 1930s the United States and Canada experienced extremely harsh economic times, not just because of the Great Depression, but also because of drought and soil erosion. We are clearly dependent on weather conditions to maintain the cycles we need to produce the food we eat-but is this merely something left to nature, or do we have a role to play? Many of us who plant our own gardens understand the importance of rotating crops, replenishing nutrients in the soil, and maintaining the health of our top soil. Most of us aren't relying on our own gardens for our sustenance; on a much larger scale, though, people around the world are seriously affected by erosion and soil degradation.

• To explore this further, visit http://royal.okanagan.bc.ca/mpidwirn/agriculture/erosion.html. You might note that this is a Canadian site, but it applies to the United States as well as other countries around the world.
• First, what effect has increased human population had on the world's soil systems? As you check the graph, what are the different mechanisms of soil degradation? We all need water-without water we die, and if you have plants in your home or yard, you'll certainly notice that without water they, too, will die.
• So how does water erosion become a problem? How is this problem reduced?
• What agricultural practices are noted to promote soil erosion, and what has been the result? What suggestions are made to stop soil erosion, or even enhance the soil? Why do many farmers choose not to use these techniques?

After You Answer the Questions
How are you going to use the information you've learned to your own benefit? You know, even if you live in a dorm or an apartment, you can still grow plants.

2. Demonstration Erosion
Here's a chance to consider yourself an instructor as you try a classroom demonstration. Go to the links below, gather the equipment you'll need, and then follow the instructions (or improvise as you see fit). What results did you get from each of these demonstrations? Were your results the same as those predicted? For additional information on how to use techniques that will reduce erosion or enhance soil quality, download the Nebraska Conservation Planning Sheets at the end of the web site.

Consider This Before Answering the Questions
Consider yourself the "instructor." You might want to do this either with a group of friends or perhaps an even better idea would be to involve some children so they can understand issues of erosion and ways to control it.

Go to http://nesen.unl.edu/lessons/soils/soildemos.html Gather the equipment you'll need, then follow the instructions (or improvise as you see fit).


After You Answer the Questions Note that this http://nesen.unl.edu/lessons/soils/soilslessons.asp is a good source of other interesting information.