Rill erosion is a type of soil erosion that occurs on sloped landscapes when water runoff forms small channels or ‘rills’ in the soil. An example of rill erosion can often be observed in agricultural fields after a heavy rainfall. For instance, when rainwater flows over a tilled field, it can start to carve small, shallow channels into the soil surface. These channels form as the water picks up soil particles and carries them downhill.
One specific example might be a cornfield in a hilly area. After a significant rain event, you might see tiny furrows appearing between the rows of corn. These furrows are the result of rill erosion, where the concentrated flow of water has begun to wash away the topsoil, affecting crop growth and soil health. If rill erosion continues unchecked, it can lead to more severe forms of soil erosion, such as gully erosion, which can cause substantial damage to farmland and landscape.