Deforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees from land, which is then converted to a non-forest use. The most concentrated deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests. Deforestation also refers to the cutting or burning of all trees in an environment. It is the continuous removal of forest stands either by bush burning or indiscriminate felling without replacing them.
Deforestation can involve the conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use.
Causes of Deforestation
- Cutting of trees for the purpose of constructing houses and industries
- Expansion of towns or villages
- Construction of new roads through forested areas
- Trees are cut for cultivation of crops
- Utilization of trees for fuelwood
Effects of Deforestation
- Deforestation exposes the land surface to erosion
- Loss of organic matter and soil fertility
- Decreases transpiration
- Increases soil erosion
- Leads to the deterioration of the environment
Controls of Deforestation
- Afforestation
- Encouraging the planting of trees
- Legislation against indiscriminate felling of trees
- Development of other sources of fuel, e.g., gas and kerosene
- Public campaigns on the effects of deforestation