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Soil Erosion Still a Threat to Our Soils

Author: Adam Hayes - Soil Management Specialist/OMAFRA
Creation Date: 30 September 2007
Last Reviewed: 30 September 2007

Erosion control structures, no-till and minimum tillage practices have significantly reduced soil erosion in the province. Streams have less sediment in them and eroded areas of fields have become more productive. Unfortunately soil erosion still occurs on a significant acreage. Climate change may provide further challenges as extreme weather events could increase soil loss by wind and water by up to 3 times the present soil loss. 

The dry conditions this spring showed us that we must still protect our soils from wind erosion. There were several windy days where significant soil was lost, in extreme cases filling in ditches. Growth has been reduced in many fields this season reducing the amount of residue after harvest to protect the soil from water and wind until the next crop is planted. If tillage is to be carried out on these fields, care will have to be taken not to bury too much residue. If moisture and timing permits an inexpensive cover crop, it may provide added protection to the soil this fall. 

Table 1 lists symptoms of soil erosion and options to correct the problem. Watch for these symptoms and take action to reduce soil loss. Lost soil takes nutrients with it and hurts crop productivity.

Table 1 - Best Management Practices for Erosion Control

Type of Erosion and Symptoms

Best Management Practices

Water Erosion

  • Rills or cuts visible on soil surface after rain or snowmelt
  • Soil accumulated at bottom of slopes or depressional areas
  • Soil on knolls is lighter in colour, and stones may be visible on the hilltop
  • Crops buried with soil
  • Use reduced tillage systems
  • Leave at least 30% crop residue on the soil surface after planting
  • Rotate row crops with solid seeded crops
  • Install erosion control structures where needed
  • Till and plant across the slope where possible

Wind Erosion

  • Soil accumulated on the leeward side of any barriers
  • Seeds or seedlings are exposed, moved, or buried
  • Stems and leaves have small pits or abrasions

Rotate row crops with solid seeded crops

  • Maintain and build organic matter levels
  • Plant cover crops
  • Keep the soil surface rough
  • Plant windbreaks and use rye strips
  • Use strip cropping

Tillage Erosion

  • Soil on knolls/hillsides is lighter in colour and bare
  • Water erosion is worse than expected on hilltops eroded by tillage
  • Large amount of soil accumulated on lower slopes

Till across the slope

  • Use reduced tillage systems
  • Keep eroded knolls and hilltops covered with vegetation
  • Reduce speed and tillage depth
  • Grow cover crops and/or add other organic sources to rehabilitate eroded knolls

 

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