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The effects of deforestation
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Cutting down large areas of forest affects the soil, the water cycle and the gases in the air.
Soil effects
Leaching: without trees taking up minerals, rain washes them out of the soil, so it becomes infertile.
Soil erosion: without roots to hold it, soil is washed or blown away.
Soil erosion: without roots to hold it, soil is washed or blown away.
Water and carbon
Evapotranspiration: trees release water vapour by transpiration. Fewer trees means less water vapour, fewer clouds and less rainfall, so the climate can become drier.
Carbon cycle: fewer trees take in carbon dioxide by photosynthesis, and burning or decaying trees release carbon dioxide.
Carbon cycle: fewer trees take in carbon dioxide by photosynthesis, and burning or decaying trees release carbon dioxide.
Balance of gases
Deforestation increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and reduces the oxygen released by photosynthesis.
More carbon dioxide adds to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Habitats are also destroyed, reducing biodiversity.
More carbon dioxide adds to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Habitats are also destroyed, reducing biodiversity.
Explain why deforestation can make the soil infertile.
- Trees normally take up mineral ions and return them when leaves fall.
- Without trees, rain washes minerals out of the soil (leaching).
- Without roots, the soil is also eroded.
Answer: Minerals are leached out and soil is eroded without trees.
Deforestation causes leaching of minerals and soil erosion, reduces evapotranspiration and rainfall, disrupts the carbon cycle and raises carbon dioxide while reducing oxygen production.
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