Litter quality effects on soil stability and erodibility

Soil erosion is a major land degradation problem in South Africa (SA) that has economic, social and environmental implications due to both on-site and offsite effects. Erosion by water is the dominant form by which soil is lost and threatens both agriculture and infrastructural development in SA. High rates of soil erosion by water are causing rapid sedimentation of water bodies ultimately water crisis in SA. Lots of financial and human resources are channeled towards controlling the soil erosion unfortunately with little success. Literature on soil erosion in SA, classifies Eastern Cape (EC) Province soils as dispersive and highly unstable to erosion due to low soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Many traditional strategies in controlling soil erosion in the EC Province are currently failing, suggesting need for alternative strategies. Addition of organic matter (OM) to increase SOC maybe a solution. Threshold levels of SOC that enhance soil aggregation have been studied extensively and little have been made on synergistic effects of the quality and soil stability.