In soil that have restrictions to root growth, erosion decreases rooting depth, which decreases the amount of water, air, and nutrients available to plants. Erosion removes surface soil, which often has the highest biological activity and greatest amount of soil organic matter. This causes a loss in nutrients and often creates a less favorable environment for plant growth. Nutrients removed by erosion are no longer available to support plant growth onsite, but can accumulate in water where such problems as algal blooms and lake eutrophication may occur. Deposition of eroded materials can obstruct roadways and fill drainage channels.
Sediment can damage fish habitat and degrade water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes.
Blowing dust can affect human health and create public safety hazards. A large number of cultural resources consist of archeological sites that are adversely impacted by erosion. Some studies indicate that the greatest threat to archeological sites is erosion, whether by storm events, or by gradual soil loss over time. The proper use of conservation practices and programs can have a huge beneficial impact on stabilizing protective cover and archeological deposits. The precipitation discharged into stream channels from an area is called runoff.