Soil erosion is a major environmental issue because it can lead to water pollution. But did you know that soil erosion also can seriously impair crop productivity? Most agriculture activities, especially on sloping landscapes, increase the potential for soil erosion. When soil erosion is severe, soil erodes faster than it can be renewed. For most areas of Iowa, the loss of 1 inch per acre of topsoil represents approximately 167 tons per acre and approximately 30 years is required to develop 1 inch of soil with properties of typical topsoil.