Soil erosion occurs through water and wind carrying away topsoil. This is harmful because it removes nutrients needed for plant growth and it takes a long time to recover lost topsoil. Soil erosion is worsened by activities like agriculture, deforestation, overgrazing, and construction which leave soil exposed. To prevent erosion, farmers use techniques like no-till farming, chisel plowing, cover cropping, and contour plowing to keep soil protected. On slopes, terracing is used to segment steep areas. Exposed soils from activities are controlled through spraying water or containing runoff until the area can be reclaimed with topsoil and vegetation.