|
In order to address the question of “How do you conserve soil?” let’s first take a look at what causes soil erosion. Soil erodes as a result of water runoff, wind and tilling the soil due to farming practices. The slow decreasing of soil can not only have a negative effect on agriculture, but our environment as well.
Soil erosion occurs when tiny particles of soil are loosened from the surface and carried away by wind or water. In heavy rain, the water is unable to penetrate the soil fast enough which creates a runoff and carries the soil particles with it.
Agricultural soils have a greater tendency toward erosion due to constant tillage and loosening of the soil. Other geological factors such as soils on a steep slope, areas of intense rainfall and bare low vegetation areas are greatly susceptible to soil erosion.
So, “How do you conserve soil?” Well, here are four solid and effective measures that you can take to conserve soil – mulching, shelterbelts, zero-till farming and green cover crops.
“How do you conserve soil?” Mulching
Let’s first take a look at how mulching can be used to conserve soil. Mulch is simply a protective layer of material that is evenly distributed over the top soil. Mulch can be an organic material like compost, grass clippings, leaves, or bark. Much can also be inorganic matter like stones or plastic.
To use mulch to conserve soil, layer your chosen material on your topsoil between 2-4 inches high to prevent the soil from being blown away.
The following is a simple guide for a few types of organic mulch.
Bark mulch or wood chips should be layered 2-4 inches.
Grass clippings or compost should be layered 3-4 inches.
You can purchase bark, compost and wood chips from your local garden center. Not only is mulching a remedy to help you conserve soil, but mulching is also a superb material for improving soil quality and increasing your crop yield. Now let’s take a look at the benefits of shelterbelts to conserve soil.
“How do you conserve soil?” Shelterbelts
Shelterbelts or wind-breaks are used to help prevent soil erosion caused specifically by wind erosion. Soil that is exposed can be blown away by strong winds and contributes to soil erosion. Shelterbelts consist of one or more rows of shrubs or trees planted to block the wind and provide shelter for the soil. As a result, the soil is protected from this particular type of soil erosion. In essence, these rows of trees or shrubs block the wind. Usually, the rows are planted along the perimeter of fields and farms. It is always a good idea to research and plant trees and shrubs that are native to your area.
“How do you conserve soil?” Zero-till farming
What is zero-till faming? Zero-till farming is a farming method that does not employ the use of a plow to turn the soil.
Tillage leaves the ground surface bare and vulnerable to runoff. Continuous use of the plow pushes the soil downhill. As time passes this soil is carried away and the surface soil is gradually depleted.
In the 1960s and 70s zero-till farming was developed in order to prevent the damage due to soil runoff. The little bit of stubble that is left on the ground after harvest is just enough to cover the ground to protect the soil in heavy rain. This simple practice is good protection of the top soil.
“How Do You Conserve Soil?” Green Cover Crops
Green cover crops are planted between crop rotations. Planting these crops fight soil erosion, helps replenish the soil nutrients, and fights the spread of weeds. The use of green cover crops can also maintain the soil’s moisture. Winter cover crops should be planted in late summer or fall. Legumes such as clovers, field peas and vetches can also add nitrogen to your soil.
Summer crops such as soybeans, sweet clover, and cowpeas make a great green cover crop during the summer. The added nitrogen benefit applies with these crops as well.
This simple method can greatly reduce runoff, add nutrients to your soil such as nitrogen and build up the surface of the soil as well.
Now, you have four solid methods you can use to conserve soil. Start with the method that best suits your needs and capability. Gradually, add other methods to ensure the most protection of your soil. “How do you conserve soil?” It’s simple – mulching, shelter belts, zero-till farming and green cover crops!
|
Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
See the Soil and Fertilizer Management category for more information on how to conserve soil.
Didn't really find what you were looking for?
|
|
|
| |
|
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](images/rss.gif "Subscribe to our XML Feed for RSS")
(Read 500+ times)
