Topsoil vegetation protects soil erosion through root growth which holds the soils in place. The removal of vegetation increases the rate of erosion from natural weathering processes including water carrying off soil in runoff and wind (EPA 2012). The removal of natural vegetation and topsoil makes the exposed area particularly susceptible to erosion, causing transformation of existing drainage areas and disturbance of sensitive areas (EPA 2012). Regulations and policies that help prevent topsoil erosion are often implemented. The EPA webpage is a resource that explores some of the sediment and erosion control regulations currently in place in several states (EPA 2012).
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