The creation of soil takes millions of years and to create only 1 cm of fertile topsoil takes 100 to 400 years.

Erosion due to the forces of wind and water can wipe that soil away within the wink of an eye. Good farming practices applied by farmers can reduce and prevent the destructive effects of erosion to preserve soil.

Click on the PDF link below to learn more about erosion and how to prevent it:
Soil Erosion – SA Department of Agriculture

Source:
South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)