Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/5/2009

Question
Can you please give me some brief information about soil conservation - like the different methods of conservation?

Answer
Hi Adrija,

Most fertile soils are light and loamy in weight thus easily wind blown.  Several methods have been developed to help reduce wind erosion as well as water erosion of fertile soils.  

1) Contour plowing or farming which follows the shape of the land forms being farmed.
2) wind brakes which are trees planted at the margins of the fields.  This helps to break up the wind and prevents dust bowling
3) Clumping which uses a large harrowing disk in plowing and leaves the soil in large clumps that retain moisture and makes it hard to blow away
4) cover crops which are grown during the off season to prevent soil erosion by water or wind
5) now plow which allows  the root and stem of the previous crop to remain in place during the off season which helps prevent both water and wind erosion.
6) grass mats which come in long rolls and are rolled out over the field that help retain winter moisture in the soil and keeps the wind from drying it out.