Soil erosion is the movement of fine soil particles by wind and water.
The top layer of soil is the most productive layer as this is the layer where crops get their nutrients. There are many different kinds of soils but for most soils, the top layer is only a few inches thick. Loss of these particles of this layer of soil reduces the productive abilities of the soil to grow crops. Soil erosion can be controlled through soil conservation measures. Unfortunately, Missouri has a very serious soil erosion problem.