Soil degradation occurs through two main processes: erosion by water and wind, which removes solid material; and leaching, which removes soluble matter. Erosion involves mobilization, transport, and deposition of solids, while leaching involves solubilization, transport, and precipitation/fixation of dissolved components through physicochemical and biological processes like hydration and hydrolysis. Models like the Universal Soil Loss Equation are used to estimate soil degradation from erosion and leaching over large areas based on local measurements and factors such as climate, landscape, soil type, and land use. Soil losses at one site result in deposition elsewhere through aquatic, wind, or precipitation transport.