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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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