Farming techniques to help reduce soil erosion Soil Conservation Farming techniques to help reduce soil erosion

What is soil conservation? Includes techniques adopted by farmers Assists in management of soil Helps prevent soil erosion Minimizes soil loss

Farming Techniques Conservation Plowing Contour Farming Terracing Windbreaks Strip Cropping Gully Reclamation

Conservation Plowing Disturbs soil and plant cover as little as possible Dead weeds and stalks left in ground Helps retain moisture Returns nutrients

Contour Farming Plant crops along curves of slope For gently sloping land Helps slow runoff and soil erosion

Terracing Build up land into stair steps Plant crops on steps For steep hills Allows water to soak in rather than run off

Windbreaks Plant trees along edges of field Blocks wind from eroding soil

Strip Cropping Alternate different types of crop in same field Reduces water erosion Returns nutrients to the soil.

Gully Reclamation Gullies occur when water takes same path over and over Fill with hay Slows down speed of water

The Dust Bowl Massive dust storm affecting the Great Plains Occurred in the 1930’s Caused by: Overfarming Overgrazing Severe Drought Wind

Soil Loss in the Great Plains Dust blew as far as Chicago and New York City Eventually reached Atlantic Ocean Many abandoned depleted farms Soil Conservation Service established in 1935