Avoiding Soil Loss

Soil is a valuable resource, but it can take thousands of years to form and can be lost much faster through erosion.

Farmers and scientists have developed methods to prevent soil loss and protect land for agriculture and the environment.

Terracing is used on hillsides where step-like terraces slow down water runoff and prevent soil from washing away.

Contour cropping involves planting crops in curved rows that follow the shape of hills to slow water movement and reduce erosion.

Windbreaks, or rows of trees planted along fields, help reduce wind speed and prevent soil from being blown away.

No-till planting keeps soil in place by allowing plant roots from previous crops to hold the soil instead of plowing.

Cover crops are planted year-round to protect the soil, even when the main crops are not growing.

Other methods to reduce soil loss include preventing overgrazing, replanting trees after logging, and using barriers to stop soil from eroding at construction sites.

Soil conservation protects farmland, supports biodiversity, and keeps water clean by preventing sediment runoff.