Soil Conservation Program

Soil Conservation: Protecting Our Agricultural Future

Soil conservation became a major concern in the 1930s as severe wind erosion led to what many remember as the “Dirty Thirties.” Through years of research, effective conservation practices were developed—many of which remain essential today. These include:

Re-establishing grass cover
Extending crop rotations
Winter cover crops
Residue management
Shelterbelts
Conservation tillage
Grassed waterways

The Soil Conservation Act: A Lasting Commitment

Legislation to combat soil erosion began with The Control of Soil Drifting Act (1935), which placed responsibility on land occupiers to prevent soil drifting. In 1962, this was replaced by the Soil Conservation Act, which—after several revisions—remains in effect today, helping to protect Alberta’s soil from erosion and degradation.

Soil Degradation: The Forgotten Issue

The Soil Conservation Act provides a framework for sustainable farming practices, ensuring Alberta’s agricultural land remains productive for generations. The main threats to soil health include:

Wind erosion
Water erosion
Organic matter loss
Salinization

Erosion in the County of Newell

Wind erosion is a significant concern in our region. Beyond legislative responsibilities, erosion affects soil structure, farm productivity, and even neighbour relations.

Explore these valuable resources:

By adopting responsible soil management practices, we can protect our land, preserve productivity, and support a sustainable future for agriculture.

Wind Erosion & How to Prevent It

Erosion is a natural process, but farming practices that leave soil bare can significantly increase soil loss due to wind. When topsoil is removed, it reduces organic matter, depletes crop nutrients, and weakens soil structure, making fields less productive over time.

Why Wind Erosion is a Major Concern in Alberta

Alberta’s dry climate and large, open fields create ideal conditions for wind erosion, particularly in areas with sandy soils. Without proper management, valuable topsoil can be lost, leading to long-term damage.

Factors That Increase Wind Erosion

Sparse or absent vegetative cover
Large, unprotected fields
Sandy soil texture
Strong, persistent winds

How to Reduce Wind Erosion

Maintain vegetative cover to anchor soil
Reduce cultivated fallow to minimize exposed soil
Limit or eliminate tillage to preserve soil structure
Plant shelterbelts around fields and farmsteads to break wind speed
Avoid overgrazing to protect ground cover

By implementing these preventative measures, farmers can protect their soil, improve productivity, and promote long-term sustainability.

More resources on wind erosion:

Wind Erosion Control

Agri Facts: Emergency Wind Erosion Control Measures

Value of Soil and Preventing Soil Erosion

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

Click the link below for more information on water erosion:

Water Erosion Control

Landowner Responsibilities

Landowners and occupants play a critical role in protecting soil productivity by preventing or minimizing soil erosion. Under the Soil Conservation Act , they have specific powers and responsibilities, including:

Power to appeal a notice.
Right to refuse entry to buildings or structures at an unreasonable hour.
Responsibility to prevent or minimize soil loss or deterioration from soil erosion.
Responsibility to comply with notices given.
Responsibility to pay for expenses incurred for carrying out remedial measures.
Responsibility to allow inspectors to carry out their duties.
Responsibility to hold valid permits and comply with the terms and conditions under which a permit is issued.

County Responsibilities

The municipality is empowered by the Minister to administer the Soil Conservation Act and has the following powers and responsibilities:

Appoint at least one Soil Conservation Officer to oversee compliance and enforcement.
Pass bylaws regulating stubble burning and topsoil removal.
Develop permit requirements outlining terms and conditions for stubble burning and topsoil removal.
Establish municipal policies to guide inspectors/officers in identifying and addressing soil conservation issues > Soil Conservation Policy
Provide official identification to Soil Conservation Officers.
Hear appeals from landowners who dispute enforcement actions.

These responsibilities ensure effective soil conservation efforts, helping to protect land productivity and environmental sustainability within the municipality.

Shelterbelts

Shelterbelts play a crucial role in reducing wind speed and minimizing wind erosion. There are two types of shelterbelts:

Farmstead Shelterbelts – Protect homes, buildings, and yards from wind and erosion.
Field Shelterbelts – Complement, rather than replace, residue management as part of a conservation system to protect soil quality.

Shelterbelt Assistance Program

With the closure of the Indian Head Shelterbelt Center, free shelterbelt trees are no longer available. However, the Agricultural Services Department offers support to producers through:

Planning, organizing, ordering, and planting shelterbelts
Collaboration with the Eastern Irrigation District’s Partners in Habitat Development (PHD) Program
Free assistance for shelterbelt planning and planting (tree costs and shipping paid by producers)

Eligibility & Program Guidelines

Only trees ordered through the Shelterbelt Program (via the nursery chosen by Agricultural Services & PHD) are eligible.
No other trees will be ordered, supplied, or planted by the Ag Services Department.
Shelterbelts must be designed to limit soil erosion and/or protect livestock to qualify.
Community projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval from the Director of Agricultural Services.
Producers are responsible for the cost of seedlings and shipping.

For more information or assistance with shelterbelt planning, contact the Agricultural Services Department.

For more information on the Eastern Irrigation District, Shelterbelt program visit www.eid.ca or call 403-362-1400.

For more information on farmstead shelterbelts and field shelterbelts check out the links below:

Prairie Shelterbelt Program

Agri Facts: Shelterbelts in Alberta

Shelterbelts for Livestock Farms in Alberta

To Order Trees, visit https://treetime.ca/