Reduce Soil Erosion Soil conservation, some methods Terracing Contour planting Strip cropping with cover crop Alley cropping, agroforestry Windbreaks or shelterbeds Conservation-tillage farming No-till Minimum tillage Identify erosion hotspots 2

Figure 12.24 Soil conservation methods include (a) terracing, (b) contour planting and strip cropping, (c) alley cropping, and (d) windbreaks (Concept 12-6A). Fig. 12-24a, p. 302

Figure 12.24 Soil conservation methods include (a) terracing, (b) contour planting and strip cropping, (c) alley cropping, and (d) windbreaks (Concept 12-6A). Fig. 12-24b, p. 302

Figure 12.24 Soil conservation methods include (a) terracing, (b) contour planting and strip cropping, (c) alley cropping, and (d) windbreaks (Concept 12-6A). Fig. 12-24c, p. 302

Figure 12.24 Soil conservation methods include (a) terracing, (b) contour planting and strip cropping, (c) alley cropping, and (d) windbreaks (Concept 12-6A). Fig. 12-24d, p. 302

Solutions: Mixture of Monoculture Crops Planted in Strips on a Farm 7

Conservation Tillage Conservation-tillage farming: method of soil cultivation that leaves the previous year's crop residue on fields before & after planting the next crop No-till: involve planting crops directly into residue that either hasn't been tilled at all Minimum tillage: some residue has been removed, but at least 30 to 70% remains

No Till & Minimum Tillage Planting into corn residue (no till) Soybeans grown in striped rows between corn residue (minimum tillage)

Benefits of Conservation Tillage Environmental benefits Reduces soil erosion by 60%-90% from rain & wind Improves soil and water quality by adding organic matter as crop residue decomposes Conserves water by reducing evaporation Conserves energy due to fewer tractor trips Reduces air pollution from dust and diesel Crop residue provides food and cover for wildlife

Benefits of Conservation Tillage Practical benefits Fewer trips across the fields saves time and money (lowers fuel, labor and machinery maintenance costs) and reduces soil compaction that can reduce yields Optimizes soil moisture, enhancing crop growth in dry periods or on droughty soils