Soil Erosion Overview

Methods to prevent soil degradation, conserve resources, and support sustainable agriculture.

Plants like grasses, shrubs, and trees that stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and maintain ecological balance.

Soil particles being dislodged and scattered by the impact of raindrops.

Uniform removal of topsoil by flowing water.

Water soaking into the soil instead of running off.

Making soil resistant to erosion by water and wind, often through root systems.

Vegetation that reduces wind speed and prevents soil particle transport.

The binding of soil particles into clumps, improving soil structure.

Legumes improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, reducing erosion, enhancing microbial activity, and disrupting pest cycles.

Legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Legumes planted to protect soil, add nitrogen, and improve organic matter.

Alternating legumes with other crops to improve soil fertility and reduce pests.

Planting legumes alongside other crops to share resources and improve nutrient cycling.

Legumes plowed back into the soil to enhance organic matter and nutrient levels.

Legumes protect soil from erosion by reducing runoff and improving soil structure.

Legumes in rotations break pests and disease cycles by diversifying plant species.

Characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons with changes in weather patterns.

Include compaction, erosion, and maintaining organic matter levels due to seasonal changes and agricultural practices.

Focuses on crop rotation, balanced fertilization, and cover crops to maintain soil fertility and prevent nutrient depletion.

Involves drainage systems, irrigation, and moisture management techniques to adapt to varying rainfall patterns.

Emphasizes methods like contour plowing, strip cropping, and buffer zones to prevent soil loss.

Growing the same crop repeatedly on the same land, which can lead to soil depletion, pests, and higher fertilizer needs.

Crucially involves regular soil testing to avoid nutrient imbalances and maintain soil health.

The loss of essential nutrients and organic matter from the soil, often caused by overuse or improper management.

Planting non-cash crops between main crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Examples include legumes, grasses, and clover.

Leftover plant parts from harvest (like straw or stalks) left on the field.

Any material used to cover the soil surface. This can be organic matter like leaves or straw, or even plastic.

Switching up the types of crops grown in a field over time to maintain healthy soil. This can include alternating cereals with legumes or mixing different species.

The combined benefit of CA practices, where one practice strengthens the effects of another.

Obstacles farmers face when transitioning to CA, including initial costs, weed control, and knowledge gaps.

Managing the left-over plant material after harvest to prevent pests or logistical issues.

A land management system that combines trees and crops or livestock on the same land area.

A type of agroforestry where rows of trees are planted along with crops between the rows.

A type of agroforestry where trees are grown alongside grazing livestock.

A type of agroforestry where a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines are grown together, mimicking a natural forest.

A sustainable design system that mimics natural ecosystems, focusing on long-term soil health and resource efficiency.

Trees improve nutrient cycling by providing organic matter through leaf litter and root biomass, enhancing soil fertility.

Using organic materials like straw, leaves, or grass clippings to cover soil. This practice helps conserve moisture, stop weeds from growing, and add nutrients to the soil.

Breaking down kitchen scraps, plant materials, and animal manure into nutrient-rich compost. This compost improves soil fertility.

Growing different plants together to benefit each other. For example, garlic can deter pests from carrots.

Collecting rainwater using features like swales, rain gardens, or ponds to manage water efficiently on the farm.

Carefully controlling the water levels in flooded rice fields to ensure ideal conditions for rice growth and prevent weeds.

Balancing fertilizer use to avoid nutrient loss and improve soil health. Organic materials like rice straw can be added for nutrients.

Periodically draining rice paddies to allow air into the soil, which is important for healthy roots.

Combining livestock with crop production, like planting trees in pastures for animals to graze. This creates a balanced ecosystem.