Why does overgrazing cause desertification

This is often done to make room for farming or housing for the growing human population. Both overgrazing and deforestation can lead to desertification because they remove or damage the vegetation that is protecting the land and keeping it moist and fertile. If plants are removed, the soil will have nothing protecting it, and it will be more susceptible to erosion by wind.

This will reduce fertility of the land because the top layer of soil that will be blown away by wind is often the richest in nutrients. Once this top layer of soil is removed, the land will no longer be fertile and will be unable to support the growth of vegetation. Eventually, the land will become so dry and devoid of vegetation that it will be classified as a desert.

Rate this question : How useful is this solution? Daily Report Card. Detailed Performance Evaluation. Home Class 8th Question. As the population in desert areas increases, there is a greater need for fuel wood. When the land is cleared of trees, the roots of the trees no longer hold the soil together so it is more vulnerable to soil erosion. Overgrazing - an increasing population results in larger desert areas being farmed. Sheep, cattle and goats are overgrazing the vegetation.

This leaves the soil exposed to erosion. Soil erosion - this is made worse by overgrazing and the removal of wood. Population growth is the primary cause for soil erosion. Climate change - the global climate is getting warmer. In desert regions conditions are not only getting warmer but drier too. On average there is less rain now in desert regions than there was 50 years ago.