Water Erosion & How to Prevent It
Water erosion, like wind erosion, is a natural process that is often intensified by farming practices that leave soil exposed. When topsoil is lost, it reduces organic matter, depletes nutrients, and weakens soil structure, leading to long-term damage.
Why Water Erosion is Often Overlooked
While water erosion occurs across Alberta, it receives less attention than wind erosion because it is less visible in its early stages. However, over time, gullies, flooding, and soil displacement become clear indicators of the damage.
Factors That Increase Water Erosion
- Cultivating watercourses (removing natural vegetation along streams)
- Farming on steep slopes without erosion control measures
- Unnecessary summer fallowing, leading to bare soil exposure
- Plowing fields up and down slopes rather than along the contour
- Burying crop residue, reducing soil stability
How to Reduce Water Erosion
- Adopt conservation tillage to maintain soil cover
- Reduce summer fallow to prevent unnecessary soil exposure
- Use proper crop rotation to improve soil structure and moisture retention
- Maintain grass-covered watercourses to slow water runoff and trap sediment
Implementing these practices helps preserve soil health, protect water quality, and maintain productive farmland for future generations.
Agri Facts: Grassed Waterway Construction
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