Brice Danvide
EAP 2 Writer’s Worshop
Mr.Leverett
Summary Response
Advantages of Digital TV
In the Boston Globe newspaper by N.Bowie (2007, June 11) in “Bridging the digital TV gap”, the author wrote about the switching of Analog TV to Digital TV. The author gave an explanation of why we have to switch from analog to digital, because it is the new standard of the government. This new policy will take effect soon in 2009 and people using analog will have to obey the rule and buy Digital TV. We should use Digital TV, because it gives more channels, high resolution of images and better sound quality.
We should use Digital TV because it gives more channels. According to (2006, Nov 13, para 1), “Digital TV means television signals can be transmitted more efficiently, freeing up space for extra channels and services”. Digital tv can offer more channels than the Analog Television because it works by transmitting signals through the space. Then it offers more channels than the old system. The old system only offer 5 or 6 channels and do not receive signals through space. Another reason digital television is better than analog television is that it offers 30 more channels than the old system and people can enjoy watching television again. The use of digital television in the near future will be a great improvement in technology and the government or the Homeland can use this system to protect their country.
We should use Digital Television because it can give better clarity and resolutions of images. Digital Television can offer clarity and resolutions of images because first, it is transmitting through space. The transmission through space means it offers a better quality of images because it is by satellite and there is no interference. But the transmission with analog television does because there is interference and the clarity and the resolutions of images are not always good. To be able to have clarity and resolutions of images means more pixels on the television. A pixel is a basic unit of the composition of an image on a television screen. Most of today’s television uses more pixels to display a best quality of image and a best resolution of image. That’s why digital television work better on plasma television than analog television because it has more pixels. A pixel also means transmitting images at a higher definition.
We should use Digital TV because it can offer a better sound quality. Better sound quality means when you hear or listen to the sound on your screen, there is no crashing stuff and it is clear. One benefit from digital television in sound quality is that the quality of the sound equals the quality of a DVD. It is a great thing because you will be able to enjoy features at a higher rate of transmission and can even see how digital television is powerful. Digital television is the best thing that we will have in our common future.
Digital television is a big issue that people are worried about. They have to follow the law because it will help secure public and emergency stuff. I think digital television will be better because there is no use creating new technology if you do not use it. People should be able to use at hundred percent what they create and offer it to the public if they are. Poor people that cannot afford it, the government even offers help for poor people to afford it. According to the Federal Communications Commission (2008, para 2) “Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers.”
Reference
Bowie, N. (2007, June, 11). Bridging the digital TV gap. The Boston Globe, PA.11. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from Lexis Nexis database.
Federal Communications Commission ( 2008, Jan 3). “DTV” is coming (and sooner than you think). (2008, Jan 3). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved March 26,2008, from
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.htm
Quick guide: Digital switchover What is digital TV? (2006, Nov 13). BBC News. Retrieved March, 26, 2008, from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5239316.stm
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Should we allow freedom of speech or restrain it?
Brice Danvide
EAP 2 Writer’s Workshop
Mr. Leverett
Summary Response
Should we allow freedom of speech or restrain it?
In the BBC News article by Jo Twist (2005), “Controversy blights UN net summit”, the author wrote about how governments can control the Internet. This summit took place in Tunis. China’s vice president was arguing about to putting restrictions online for the internet. This summit was a big issue because people that represented each country all over the world were trying to help the less developed countries in some ways. They realize that there wasn’t enough funds to help the poor countries benefit and have access to free information on the internet. We should have freedom of speech because it can help prevent war, increase knowledge and allow the discovery of the truth.
We should have freedom of speech because it can help prevent war in a country. Freedom of speech is very useful in today’s world because in a country where they do not have this system of free speaking, the country is usually under a dictatorship system. It means people are not allowed to express their feelings. People are terrified, and it brings war and revolt in the country. For example in North Korea, they still on a dictatorship system and it is not really easy for them and their population. But a country where they have this system where people can express their opinions and their feelings, the country is opened to democracy. It can help prevent war in a way that people will not revolt against the government or nobody, the country will be at peace and people will understand each other through talking. For example, in Chile, they are still running a dictatorship system and tensions are rising in the country, because people are feeling locked up and want freedom. In today’s world we can not do anything without speaking; that’s why freedom of speech is important in preventing war.
In addition, we should have freedom of speech, because it can increase knowledge. If we have a country based on democracy and people are allowed to express themselves, then it could bring a good understanding of people having access to information. People will be able to have access to information anywhere in the world and gain knowledge by themselves. Having most of the population well educated is a gain for a country because development will take place and the country will be able to spread itself with an increasing economy. Knowledge is something that you acquire with experience; it is important to have knowledge because the future will rely on the experience that you have and what you are able to offer to the society. For example, Benin, my country, is a democratic country where everybody has the right to express their opinion. Even if my country is a less developed country, we are still developing because our population is getting instructed and basically our economy is increasing. So that’s why knowledge is important to a country to get developed and access to information will surely help people acquire it by themselves.
Finally, we should have freedom of speech because it can allow the discovery of the truth. According to Charles Bralaugh (2002, para 2), “without free speech no search for the truth is possible….no discovery of truth is useful…Better a thousand fold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech…” Discovery of the truth means finding the truth through freedom of speech. For example at a court when judges try to find the truth when there is a murder, they use to find the truth through speaking and by analyzing facts. Without those two elements, they will not be able to judge anyone if any case comes to them. Truth is important in our society and people who are on the bad side and always commit crime are forced to tell the truth. The discovery of the truth also goes along with freedom of speech. Our society is based on truth and you can not fool the law because it is already established and we have to follow it. It is also the gain of our civilization; it is how we see the perception of truth and the critical thinking of what make sense. The discovery of the truth is a continuous process that never ends up but it is also the result of logic because without logic you can not find the truth.
Freedom of speech is very important in today’s world. It shows how humans can express their feelings and their emotion and what makes humans very particular. I think the less developed country should benefit from the access to the Internet without restriction. The gap between the poorer country and the rich country does not have to be a problem for the less developed countries because it is with free initiative and free access to technology that the less developed countries will develop themselves.
References
Bradlaugh,C. (2001, Nov.22). Campus Needs True Free Speech. Watch in the Media. Retrieved March 24 2008, from http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/363
Twist, J. (2005, November 18). Controversy blights UN net Summit. BBC News Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4450474.stm
EAP 2 Writer’s Workshop
Mr. Leverett
Summary Response
Should we allow freedom of speech or restrain it?
In the BBC News article by Jo Twist (2005), “Controversy blights UN net summit”, the author wrote about how governments can control the Internet. This summit took place in Tunis. China’s vice president was arguing about to putting restrictions online for the internet. This summit was a big issue because people that represented each country all over the world were trying to help the less developed countries in some ways. They realize that there wasn’t enough funds to help the poor countries benefit and have access to free information on the internet. We should have freedom of speech because it can help prevent war, increase knowledge and allow the discovery of the truth.
We should have freedom of speech because it can help prevent war in a country. Freedom of speech is very useful in today’s world because in a country where they do not have this system of free speaking, the country is usually under a dictatorship system. It means people are not allowed to express their feelings. People are terrified, and it brings war and revolt in the country. For example in North Korea, they still on a dictatorship system and it is not really easy for them and their population. But a country where they have this system where people can express their opinions and their feelings, the country is opened to democracy. It can help prevent war in a way that people will not revolt against the government or nobody, the country will be at peace and people will understand each other through talking. For example, in Chile, they are still running a dictatorship system and tensions are rising in the country, because people are feeling locked up and want freedom. In today’s world we can not do anything without speaking; that’s why freedom of speech is important in preventing war.
In addition, we should have freedom of speech, because it can increase knowledge. If we have a country based on democracy and people are allowed to express themselves, then it could bring a good understanding of people having access to information. People will be able to have access to information anywhere in the world and gain knowledge by themselves. Having most of the population well educated is a gain for a country because development will take place and the country will be able to spread itself with an increasing economy. Knowledge is something that you acquire with experience; it is important to have knowledge because the future will rely on the experience that you have and what you are able to offer to the society. For example, Benin, my country, is a democratic country where everybody has the right to express their opinion. Even if my country is a less developed country, we are still developing because our population is getting instructed and basically our economy is increasing. So that’s why knowledge is important to a country to get developed and access to information will surely help people acquire it by themselves.
Finally, we should have freedom of speech because it can allow the discovery of the truth. According to Charles Bralaugh (2002, para 2), “without free speech no search for the truth is possible….no discovery of truth is useful…Better a thousand fold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech…” Discovery of the truth means finding the truth through freedom of speech. For example at a court when judges try to find the truth when there is a murder, they use to find the truth through speaking and by analyzing facts. Without those two elements, they will not be able to judge anyone if any case comes to them. Truth is important in our society and people who are on the bad side and always commit crime are forced to tell the truth. The discovery of the truth also goes along with freedom of speech. Our society is based on truth and you can not fool the law because it is already established and we have to follow it. It is also the gain of our civilization; it is how we see the perception of truth and the critical thinking of what make sense. The discovery of the truth is a continuous process that never ends up but it is also the result of logic because without logic you can not find the truth.
Freedom of speech is very important in today’s world. It shows how humans can express their feelings and their emotion and what makes humans very particular. I think the less developed country should benefit from the access to the Internet without restriction. The gap between the poorer country and the rich country does not have to be a problem for the less developed countries because it is with free initiative and free access to technology that the less developed countries will develop themselves.
References
Bradlaugh,C. (2001, Nov.22). Campus Needs True Free Speech. Watch in the Media. Retrieved March 24 2008, from http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/363
Twist, J. (2005, November 18). Controversy blights UN net Summit. BBC News Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4450474.stm
Monday, March 3, 2008
Reasearch Paper proposal
Soil Erosion, Contamination and Fertility
I choose this topic because I consider that soil is the first thing that
appear on the earth before humans start colonizing each other and
take possession of it.
Soil erosion, contamination and fertility is a general problem
that any country face today. Soil is “ a complex mixture of inorganic
materials ( clay, silt , pebbles, and sand), decaying organic matter,
water, air, and billions of living organisms” ( “ Soil : The base of life”,
1994, para.1). Then soil erosion is “ the movement of soil
components, especially surface-litter and topsoil, from one place to
another” ( “Soil Erosion”, 1994, para.1). We have two main agents of
erosion which are flowing water ( by far the major cause of erosion)
and wind. According to Leopold ( 1949), land is not only made of soil
but also by a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils,
plants and animals. According to a group of scientists ( OMAFRA
Staff; G. Wall - Ontario Institute of Pedology; C.S. Baldwin -
Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology; I.J. Shelton - Ontario Institute of Pedology),( 2003), soil erosion is one form of soil
degradation that goes with soil compaction, low organic matter, loss
of soil structure, poor internal drainage, salinisation , and soil acidity
problems and soil erosion maybe a slow process that is relatively
unnoticed. Soil contamination occurred because of irrigation and it
contains dissolved salts. When the dry season start most of the water
evaporates and leave salts behind such as sodium chloride in the
topsoil. The accumulation of these salts is called salinization and
stunts crops growth, lowers yields and eventually kills crop plants and
ruins the land. Another problem with irrigation in some areas is water
logging which means farmers apply a heavy amount of water to leach
salts deeper into the soil. Water accumulates underground and saline
water envelops the roots of plants and kills them (“Environment :
Problems and Solutions”, Miller (1994), “ soil contamination by
excess salts and water, para.1,3). Soil fertility is when people apply fertilizers to the soil. It restores partially plants nutrients lost by
erosion, by crops harvesting, and by leaching when water flows
through soil layers, (“Environment : Problems and Solutions”, Miller
(1994), “ maintaining and restoring soil fertility“, para.1). There is
many kind of fertilizers that farmers can use to fertilize the soil which
are Animal manure, green manure, and compost.
In my paper, I plan on writing about soil erosion and how soil is
infected by the agent of soil erosion and how fertilizers works on soil
restoration. I also plan to write about how to reduce soil erosion, and
contamination.
I’ve found many articles talking about the causes , effects and
solutions about soil erosion, contamination and fertilizer.
I still need to find how fertilizer is commercial and the effect that I
can have on human being .
References
Omafra staff,Wall. G,Ontario Institute of Pedology, Baldwin. C.S, Ridgetown college of Agricultural Technology, Shelton, I.J, Ontario Institute of Pedology ( 2003) . Soil erosion - causes and effects. FACTSHEET magazine. Retrieved February 13, 2008, from http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/87-040.htm
This article gives information about the causes and effects of soil erosion and how to reduce it.
Leopold, A. ( 1949). Soils quotations, Natural Resources Conservation Services Articles. Retrieved February 13, 2008 , from
http://www.soils.usda.gov/education/resources/k_12/quotes/ This site provide quotes about the living existence of soil.
Summary response
Do you want to eat cloned food? In the Newsweek Web Exclusive by Fred Gurtel 2008, “Would You Like Fries with Your Clone?” the author gives explanation about the government legislation about food products from clones livestock. He shows us how in the text how the two government were arguing about clone food, “the U.S Food and Drug Administration issued a report declaring that cloned livestock was safe to eat” (para 1). Also he tell us how U.S government takes a big step allowing cloned meal and milk on the dinner table. However
It is clear that the author’s opinion is yes to cloned animals and livestock. And both government should take a real precaution about cloned animals and what derived from them because its can possibly affect human being, be against nature and create diseases.
First of all, possible health problems can occur if a human being eats cloned food. Side effects that can happen after eating cloned food may include mental problems. No medication is yet available for the side effects after eating cloned food. In “Would You Like Fries with Your Clone” the Union of Concerned Scientists states that “ Although successful clones may appear normal, the possibility remains that some may harbor subtle genetic defects that could impair their health or make them unsafe for consumption” (2008, para7) as an example of scientist preoccupation of cloned food safety. It means cloned food is not safe according to the union of scientist. According to an article on the Press Releases, “ A December 2006 people who ate cloned food was polled by the Initiative found that 64% of those polled were uncomfortable with animal cloning, with 43% saying that cloned food is unsafe, while another 36% felt unsure about cloned food safety” ( Mendelson & Kimbrel, 2006, para 5).a general opinion about cloned safety was given by this article that people are really worried about clone food and cloned food is not really secure to eat and we as human being should be warned about cloned foo
The U.S Food and drugs Administration should revise the cloned food stuff and think twice before authorizing people to eat it and ban it from the market. Cloned food is very bad to human and we have to consider some real problems according to the facts that we already have in our records. Today’s world is going at a faster rate and we have to measure our action due to the present and see the effect in the coming future.
References
Briggs, H. (n.d.). Fresh warning over cloning dangers. BBC news. Retrieved February 27,2008 from http://news.bbc.co.uk
Mendelson, J. & Kimbrell, a. (2006,December 28.). Despite lack of science and trong public concer,
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/cloning PR12 26 06.cfm
Thompson, A. (2008, January 10). Is It safe To Eat Cloned Food. FOXNEWS. Retrieved
Soil Erosion
Save Our Soil From Erosion
Brice Danvide
EAP 2, Writer’s Workshop
Heidi Wright
Thursday 28, 2008
Abstract
The topic of this paper is Soil Erosion. It argues that human all over the world should save our soil from erosion by adequate methods. There are two ways of stopping soil erosion. The first is about wind erosion and we have windbreak, ground cover and the second one is flowing water: counter ploughing and terracing. These methods are used to save soil from erosion.
Brice Danvide
EAP 2 Writer’s Workshop
Ms. Wright
Research paper proposal
first draft
February 19, 2008
Soil Erosion
How can human beings possibly fix their feet on the ground if they were no soil on earth? Soil is a basic component of hearth that existed since the homosapiens prehistoric age. Soil is a part of nature, part of the environment and soil structure allow human beings, animals to live on it. Soil is a treasure that human beings should cherish with precaution and wisely use its resources. There are four ways of saving soil from erosion wind and water: windbreak, ground cover, contour ploughing and terracing.
Soil is “a complex mixture of inorganic materials (clay, silt, pebbles, and sand), decaying organic matter, water, air, and billions of living organisms” (“Soil: The Base of Life”, 1994, para.1). According to Leopold (1949), land is not only made of soil but also by a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants and animals. It means soil is not just soil but it is all system that works according to nature Then soil erosion is “the movement of soil components, especially surface-litter and topsoil, from one place to another” (“Soil Erosion”, 1994, para.1). We have two main agents of erosion which are flowing water (by far the major cause of erosion) and wind. According to a group of scientists (OMAFRA Staff; G. Wall - Ontario Institute of Pedology; C.S. Baldwin - Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology; I.J. Shelton – Ontario Institute of Pedology), ( 2003), “soil erosion maybe a slow process that continues relatively unnoticed, or it may occur at an alarming rate causing serious loss of topsoil”. When we lose our topsoil, it makes our soil more vulnerable to water, wind and less fertile. When erosion occurs, wind take out the sediments that the soil gives and transports them to river. Then water is full of sediment and it taste bad and finally give diseases. Soil erosion has being part of our live for centuries now and there is many ways of saving soil from erosion. Today farmers all over the world use different methods to protect soil from erosion
First, we can save soil from wind erosion by windbreak. Windbreak is when people plant trees all over the land. In “Environment: Problems & Solutions” the author says that “wind erosion can be reduced by planting long rows of trees so that they partially block the wind. Windbreaks are specially effective if uncultivated land is kept covered with vegetation; they also help retain soil moisture, supply some wood for fuel, and provide habitats for wildlife.”(Miller, 1994, para 8).This can block the wind action to take away the topsoil and conduct it to the river. Topsoil is the good part of the soil that stands against erosion. The planting of trees will help soil by blocking the wind. And if we plant trees all over a land it can really save soil from erosion, because the soil will be covered and if it rains, the tree will stop most of the rain and the soil will be protected. In my country for example, farmers use this method to protect the soil from erosion because it rains a lot and they need this method to be able to produce food during this season. According to this article Warm Cows & Cool Breezes (1998)” the author says that “Windbreak height is the most important factor determining the downwind area protected by the windbreak. On the windward side of a windbreak, wind speeds are reduced upwind for a distance of two to three times the height of the windbreak. On the leeward side the wind speed is reduced as far as 20 times the height. For example, if the tallest trees in a windbreak are 50 feet, wind speeds are reduced up to 150 feet on the windward side and 1000 feet on the leeward side”. As this article says, the most important factor is the height of the downwind area, windbreak is really effective and farmers are really familiar with this method.
Next, soil erosion can be saved by ground cover. Ground cover is when people plant tree that not grow faster and spread quickly to form a dense cover over the land. According to this articlelllllllllllll. When you plant a ground cover under tree, it reduces damage to the base of the tree. There are some ground covers that is used to protect the root of a planted tree and keep it from drying out quickly. The preferable season of planting grounds covers are during the growing season specially during the spring or fall season. By ground covering, the soil will be able to keep his organic moisture, and when animals die, they decompose and it can be used to enrich the soil nutrients.
Furthermore, soil can be saved from water flowing by contour ploughing and terracing.In Environments: problems & Solutions’’ the author says that “ soil erosion can be reduce by 30-50% on gently sloping land and palnting crops in rows across, rather than up and down, the sloped contour of the land. Each row planted horizontally along the contour of the land acts as a small dam to help hold soil and slow the runoff of water.” (Miller,1994, para 4). This mean that this method can reduce by half the erosion by water. Contour ploughing is mainly used for planting crops, trees in rows across and all over the contour of the land. According to this article ”Pulaski County Home and Garden’’ the author says that “As a general rule, plants used as ground covers are evergreen because they are used to provide structure and need to be present year around. However, there are some plants that make great ground covers even if they disappear for the winter months. Daylilies, especially Stella D'Oro with its golden flowers all summer, work great for sunny areas. Hostas provide bold and interesting foliage in the shade from spring through fall” (Phelps.2007). For example grass plant is one of them So we observe how contour ploughing works, it means that there many kind of plants that people use as a cover. In “Soil Erosion” the author says that ‘’the purpose of contour ploughing is to reduce the flow of water across the land surface, thus reducing erosion. The benefits is it reduce erosion by 50% and the restriction is its stepped topography may hinder modern farming practices”(Thames, n.d. p 2,3,4). Planting crops all over the land will stop water to take away the top soil and sediments of the soil, and trees will help the soil because of their roots. Finally, soil can be saved from erosion by terracing.In “Environment: Problems & Solution” the author says that ’’in this practice, a steep slope is converted into a series of broad, nearly level terraces that run across the land contour, with short vertical drops from one terrace to another. Terracing retains water for crops on each terrace and cuts soil erosion by controlling runoff. (Miller, 1994, para 3). “ Terracing consist of covering the soil of terrace at the land contour disposed vertically that stop the water to gain the soil and stop it from eroding. Terracing is one of the best method because it controls the flowing of water. It keeps safe the soil nutrients and save the topsoil from being taking away by water. Among all other method terracing is the best. Terracing is also used as example in my country and specially in my state. Farmers also use this method because basically our soil is vulnerable to water and it rains a lot. Another reason is the topsoil is also gone because of the intensive raining that occurs during a year. It makes the soil becomes rock, without sediments and nutrients to be productive. That’s why farmers use this method for saving the soil from irrigation and it is also used for soil conservation. Terracing used as a soil conservation means, when this method is done and we terrace the soil, it totally protect the soil from losing topsoil and according to this article “Vetiver grass was introduced to St. Vincent as the major soil conservation measure more than 50 years ago. It was used primarily in the sugar industry to stabilize fields of sugarcane, but found its way all over the island as a stabilizer of road cuttings, driveways, pathways, and tracks along hillsides. Whoever introduced the system did an excellent job, as virtually all the small farmers put their vetiver-grass plantings on the contour. This, together with the resulting contour farming, has saved St. Vincent from the ravages of soil erosion” (Greenfield, J.1989, para 1). This practice did an exellent job in St.Vincent and they were able to save their soil from erosion.
Opponents say they were using a different method in the past years. These methods are spraying, synthetic, polymer and glue oil. In “Natural Polymers as Inspiration To make (or improve) polymers” the author states that “people from different parts of the world spun flax to make linen cloth, wore animal hides and fur, used silk worms to make silk, or gathered rubbery gunk that oozed out of the rubber tree. Oh, and don't forget lunch! They also ate starchy foods”.( But there is some restriction with this method which is unused of tractors. Tractors can not bee used in that case; because crops are planted all over the land and it makes the use of tractors impossible. It will be difficult for farmers to work land without tractors and the work will be more difficult.
Saving soil from erosion is much known these days and farmers know how to deal with it. They are many ways of saving soil from erosion. We can never stop soil from eroding because it is a natural process.The only thing that we can do is preventing it from erosion. We have to stop soil from erosion because it is the source of our food and without it we can not have a good quality food.
References
Leopold, A. ( 1949). Soils quotations, Natural Resources
Conservation Services Articles. Retrieved February 13, 2008 , from
http://www.soils.usda.gov/education/resources/k_12/quotes/
Omafra staff,Wall. G,Ontario Institute of Pedology, Baldwin. C.S,
Ridgetown college of Agricultural Technology, Shelton, I.J, Ontario
Institute of Pedology ( 2006, Nov 21). Soil erosion - causes and
effects. FACTSHEET magazine. Retrieved February 21, 2008,
from http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/87-
040.htm
Palmer, B. (1998, March). Warms Cows & Cool Breezes. MISSOURI
CONSERVATIONIST. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from
http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/1998/03/50.htm
Phelpes, B.( 2007, April 4th). Pulaski Home and Garden. University of Arkansas –
Division of Agriculture. Retrieved February 28, 2008, from
http://www.uaex.edu/Pulaski/HG/Ground_Covers.htm
Thames.(n.d.). Contour Ploughing.thamesweb. Retrieved February 28, 2007 from
http://www.thamesweb.com/page.php?page_id=27&topic_id=16
Greefield, J.( 1989). St. Vincent Vetiver. Soil Conservation
Practice In the Caribbean Archipelago. Retrieved February 28, from
http://www.vetiver.org/LAVN_CARIB.htm
Brice Danvide
EAP 2, Writer’s Workshop
Heidi Wright
Thursday 28, 2008
Abstract
The topic of this paper is Soil Erosion. It argues that human all over the world should save our soil from erosion by adequate methods. There are two ways of stopping soil erosion. The first is about wind erosion and we have windbreak, ground cover and the second one is flowing water: counter ploughing and terracing. These methods are used to save soil from erosion.
Brice Danvide
EAP 2 Writer’s Workshop
Ms. Wright
Research paper proposal
first draft
February 19, 2008
Soil Erosion
How can human beings possibly fix their feet on the ground if they were no soil on earth? Soil is a basic component of hearth that existed since the homosapiens prehistoric age. Soil is a part of nature, part of the environment and soil structure allow human beings, animals to live on it. Soil is a treasure that human beings should cherish with precaution and wisely use its resources. There are four ways of saving soil from erosion wind and water: windbreak, ground cover, contour ploughing and terracing.
Soil is “a complex mixture of inorganic materials (clay, silt, pebbles, and sand), decaying organic matter, water, air, and billions of living organisms” (“Soil: The Base of Life”, 1994, para.1). According to Leopold (1949), land is not only made of soil but also by a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants and animals. It means soil is not just soil but it is all system that works according to nature Then soil erosion is “the movement of soil components, especially surface-litter and topsoil, from one place to another” (“Soil Erosion”, 1994, para.1). We have two main agents of erosion which are flowing water (by far the major cause of erosion) and wind. According to a group of scientists (OMAFRA Staff; G. Wall - Ontario Institute of Pedology; C.S. Baldwin - Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology; I.J. Shelton – Ontario Institute of Pedology), ( 2003), “soil erosion maybe a slow process that continues relatively unnoticed, or it may occur at an alarming rate causing serious loss of topsoil”. When we lose our topsoil, it makes our soil more vulnerable to water, wind and less fertile. When erosion occurs, wind take out the sediments that the soil gives and transports them to river. Then water is full of sediment and it taste bad and finally give diseases. Soil erosion has being part of our live for centuries now and there is many ways of saving soil from erosion. Today farmers all over the world use different methods to protect soil from erosion
First, we can save soil from wind erosion by windbreak. Windbreak is when people plant trees all over the land. In “Environment: Problems & Solutions” the author says that “wind erosion can be reduced by planting long rows of trees so that they partially block the wind. Windbreaks are specially effective if uncultivated land is kept covered with vegetation; they also help retain soil moisture, supply some wood for fuel, and provide habitats for wildlife.”(Miller, 1994, para 8).This can block the wind action to take away the topsoil and conduct it to the river. Topsoil is the good part of the soil that stands against erosion. The planting of trees will help soil by blocking the wind. And if we plant trees all over a land it can really save soil from erosion, because the soil will be covered and if it rains, the tree will stop most of the rain and the soil will be protected. In my country for example, farmers use this method to protect the soil from erosion because it rains a lot and they need this method to be able to produce food during this season. According to this article Warm Cows & Cool Breezes (1998)” the author says that “Windbreak height is the most important factor determining the downwind area protected by the windbreak. On the windward side of a windbreak, wind speeds are reduced upwind for a distance of two to three times the height of the windbreak. On the leeward side the wind speed is reduced as far as 20 times the height. For example, if the tallest trees in a windbreak are 50 feet, wind speeds are reduced up to 150 feet on the windward side and 1000 feet on the leeward side”. As this article says, the most important factor is the height of the downwind area, windbreak is really effective and farmers are really familiar with this method.
Next, soil erosion can be saved by ground cover. Ground cover is when people plant tree that not grow faster and spread quickly to form a dense cover over the land. According to this articlelllllllllllll. When you plant a ground cover under tree, it reduces damage to the base of the tree. There are some ground covers that is used to protect the root of a planted tree and keep it from drying out quickly. The preferable season of planting grounds covers are during the growing season specially during the spring or fall season. By ground covering, the soil will be able to keep his organic moisture, and when animals die, they decompose and it can be used to enrich the soil nutrients.
Furthermore, soil can be saved from water flowing by contour ploughing and terracing.In Environments: problems & Solutions’’ the author says that “ soil erosion can be reduce by 30-50% on gently sloping land and palnting crops in rows across, rather than up and down, the sloped contour of the land. Each row planted horizontally along the contour of the land acts as a small dam to help hold soil and slow the runoff of water.” (Miller,1994, para 4). This mean that this method can reduce by half the erosion by water. Contour ploughing is mainly used for planting crops, trees in rows across and all over the contour of the land. According to this article ”Pulaski County Home and Garden’’ the author says that “As a general rule, plants used as ground covers are evergreen because they are used to provide structure and need to be present year around. However, there are some plants that make great ground covers even if they disappear for the winter months. Daylilies, especially Stella D'Oro with its golden flowers all summer, work great for sunny areas. Hostas provide bold and interesting foliage in the shade from spring through fall” (Phelps.2007). For example grass plant is one of them So we observe how contour ploughing works, it means that there many kind of plants that people use as a cover. In “Soil Erosion” the author says that ‘’the purpose of contour ploughing is to reduce the flow of water across the land surface, thus reducing erosion. The benefits is it reduce erosion by 50% and the restriction is its stepped topography may hinder modern farming practices”(Thames, n.d. p 2,3,4). Planting crops all over the land will stop water to take away the top soil and sediments of the soil, and trees will help the soil because of their roots. Finally, soil can be saved from erosion by terracing.In “Environment: Problems & Solution” the author says that ’’in this practice, a steep slope is converted into a series of broad, nearly level terraces that run across the land contour, with short vertical drops from one terrace to another. Terracing retains water for crops on each terrace and cuts soil erosion by controlling runoff. (Miller, 1994, para 3). “ Terracing consist of covering the soil of terrace at the land contour disposed vertically that stop the water to gain the soil and stop it from eroding. Terracing is one of the best method because it controls the flowing of water. It keeps safe the soil nutrients and save the topsoil from being taking away by water. Among all other method terracing is the best. Terracing is also used as example in my country and specially in my state. Farmers also use this method because basically our soil is vulnerable to water and it rains a lot. Another reason is the topsoil is also gone because of the intensive raining that occurs during a year. It makes the soil becomes rock, without sediments and nutrients to be productive. That’s why farmers use this method for saving the soil from irrigation and it is also used for soil conservation. Terracing used as a soil conservation means, when this method is done and we terrace the soil, it totally protect the soil from losing topsoil and according to this article “Vetiver grass was introduced to St. Vincent as the major soil conservation measure more than 50 years ago. It was used primarily in the sugar industry to stabilize fields of sugarcane, but found its way all over the island as a stabilizer of road cuttings, driveways, pathways, and tracks along hillsides. Whoever introduced the system did an excellent job, as virtually all the small farmers put their vetiver-grass plantings on the contour. This, together with the resulting contour farming, has saved St. Vincent from the ravages of soil erosion” (Greenfield, J.1989, para 1). This practice did an exellent job in St.Vincent and they were able to save their soil from erosion.
Opponents say they were using a different method in the past years. These methods are spraying, synthetic, polymer and glue oil. In “Natural Polymers as Inspiration To make (or improve) polymers” the author states that “people from different parts of the world spun flax to make linen cloth, wore animal hides and fur, used silk worms to make silk, or gathered rubbery gunk that oozed out of the rubber tree. Oh, and don't forget lunch! They also ate starchy foods”.( But there is some restriction with this method which is unused of tractors. Tractors can not bee used in that case; because crops are planted all over the land and it makes the use of tractors impossible. It will be difficult for farmers to work land without tractors and the work will be more difficult.
Saving soil from erosion is much known these days and farmers know how to deal with it. They are many ways of saving soil from erosion. We can never stop soil from eroding because it is a natural process.The only thing that we can do is preventing it from erosion. We have to stop soil from erosion because it is the source of our food and without it we can not have a good quality food.
References
Leopold, A. ( 1949). Soils quotations, Natural Resources
Conservation Services Articles. Retrieved February 13, 2008 , from
http://www.soils.usda.gov/education/resources/k_12/quotes/
Omafra staff,Wall. G,Ontario Institute of Pedology, Baldwin. C.S,
Ridgetown college of Agricultural Technology, Shelton, I.J, Ontario
Institute of Pedology ( 2006, Nov 21). Soil erosion - causes and
effects. FACTSHEET magazine. Retrieved February 21, 2008,
from http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/87-
040.htm
Palmer, B. (1998, March). Warms Cows & Cool Breezes. MISSOURI
CONSERVATIONIST. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from
http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/1998/03/50.htm
Phelpes, B.( 2007, April 4th). Pulaski Home and Garden. University of Arkansas –
Division of Agriculture. Retrieved February 28, 2008, from
http://www.uaex.edu/Pulaski/HG/Ground_Covers.htm
Thames.(n.d.). Contour Ploughing.thamesweb. Retrieved February 28, 2007 from
http://www.thamesweb.com/page.php?page_id=27&topic_id=16
Greefield, J.( 1989). St. Vincent Vetiver. Soil Conservation
Practice In the Caribbean Archipelago. Retrieved February 28, from
http://www.vetiver.org/LAVN_CARIB.htm
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