Land Clearance-Deforestation

Land clearance: Deforestation




Deforestation is one of the methods to clear the land. Large areas of the forest are cleared by commercial logging companies. Forests provide timber that can be made into many products like paper and furniture. However uncontrolled economic development accelerates deforestation that that causes damage to the land.



Forest is also cleared for agricultural purposes as cattle ranchers need large areas of lands for rearing of cattle. Plantation agriculture also requires large pieces of land so large areas of forest must be cleared for this kind of farming.



Deforestation is effective in cleaning out an area fast enough and the burnt trees can also provide nutrients for the soil. However, it has a negative impact on the habitats of the animals because the animals lose their homes. It brings abut soil erosion and affects the hydrologic cycle. When there is less protective cover for the soil, soil erosion and soil leeching will occur. Fewer trees will also result in a decrease in rainfall. Deforestation not only depletes forest resources but also contributes to global warming. With trees, carbon dioxide is able to be absorbed for photosynthesis. Without trees, carbon dioxide will not be absorbed so there will be more greenhouse gases which will make the earth warmer