What is soil erosion? Explain means of preventing it.
Answers
Answer:
Simple Solutions to Prevent Soil Erosion
The four most common soil erosion prevention methods are vegetation, geotextiles, mulch, and retaining walls. Preventing soil erosion is critical in protecting your property and exposed soil, whether from wind, weather, running water, and even the after-affects of forest fire.
Answer:
Soil erosion is the displacement of the upper layer of soil, it is one form of soil degradation. This natural process is caused by the dynamic activity of erosive agents, that is, water, ice (glaciers), snow, air (wind), plants, animals, and humans. In accordance with these agents, erosion is sometimes divided into water erosion, glacial erosion, snow erosion, wind (aeolean) erosion, zoogenic erosion and anthropogenic erosion.[1] Soil erosion may be a slow process that continues relatively unnoticed, or it may occur at an alarming rate causing a serious loss of topsoil. The loss of soil from farmland may be reflected in reduced crop production potential, lower surface water quality and damaged drainage networks.
Explanation:
While there’s not much we can do about wind and rain, we can try some proven techniques of preventing soil erosion. The right technique (or combination of techniques) for your Texas farm or ranch property depends on the type of soil, topography, climatic conditions, and other factors. If you need assistance, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or your local AgriLife Extension County Office.
Crop Rotation: Rotating in high-residue crops — such as corn, hay, and small grain — can reduce erosion as the layer of residue protects topsoil from being carried away by wind and water.
Conservation Tillage: Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion. Conservation tillage methods such as no-till planting, strip rotary tillage, chiseling, and disking leave more of the field surface covered with crop residue that protects the soil from eroding forces.
Contour Farming: Planting in row patterns that run level around a hill — instead of up and down the slope — has been shown to reduce runoff and decrease the risk of water erosion.
Strip Farming: In areas where a slope is particularly steep or there is no alternative method of preventing erosion, planting fields in long strips alternated in a crop rotation system (strip farming) has proven effective.
Terrace Farming: Many farmers have successfully combated erosion by planting in flat areas created on hillsides in a step-like formation (terrace farming).
Grass Waterways: By planting grass in areas of concentrated water flow, farmers can prevent much of the soil erosion that results from runoff, as the grass stabilizes the soil while still providing an outlet for drainage.
Diversion Structures: Used often for gully control, diversion structures cause water to flow along a desired path and away from areas at high risk for erosion.
Your soil is one of the most important assets of your farming or ranching operation, and losing it through erosion can seriously impact your bottom line. The time, effort, and resources you spend on erosion prevention today is a valuable investment in the future of your business. For more information about preventing soil erosion and overall soil health, check out these online resources:
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Natural Resources Conservation Service of Texas (part of the USDA)
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service