Soil Management and Fertilizer Use: Erosion Control

In This Section

Topics

Soil Management and Fertilizer Use:
Erosion Control

Author:	OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date:	01 March 2002
Last Reviewed:	01 March 2002

Agronomy Guide > Pub 811: Soil Management and Fertilizer Use > Erosion Control

Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 2)

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops

Introduction
- Water Erosion Control - Table 2-8
Water Erosion Control
Stream and Ditch Protection
Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
Fragile Land Retirement
Updates on Soil Management Erosion Control
Related Links...

Introduction

The amount of soil lost from a field can be controlled or reduced by a number of the measures already mentioned in this chapter. Tillage erosion can only be reduced by minimizing the amount of tillage used. Minimum till, no-till, improved drainage and crop rotation, including cover crops, can go a long way to reducing wind and water erosion. In some situations, these measures are not enough, and other soil conservation practices become necessary. Table 2-8, Water Erosion Control, lists a number of erosion control structures and their uses.

| Top of Page |

Table 2-8. Water Erosion Control
Erosion Control Practice	Description	Use	Comments
Water and sediment control basin	structure is built across drainage ways works like a small dam intercepts concentrated runoff and takes it underground through a tile	to protect against rill and gully erosion through a field or farm useful in fields with irregular and non-uniform slopes can be used instead of grass waterways	relatively inexpensive to install
Grass waterways	broad, shallow channels a grass cover protects it from erosion	to protect against rill and gully erosion through a field or farm can act as an outlet for terraces, diversions, contour rows or to carry water entering the field from neighbouring fields	equipment can easily cross waterway crop rows should be at right angles to the waterway
Diversion terrace	diversion channel with a ridge on the lower side	constructed across a slope to intercept surface runoff carrying it to an outlet
Terraces	constructed across the slope used to break up long slopes excess water is carried safely off the field the three common types are broad base, grass backslope and narrow base	to protect against gully, rill and sheet erosion	most expensive erosion control structure terrace spacing is based on steepness of slope, soil erodibility, crop type, management and rainfall
Strip cropping			Comments: technical assistance may be required to set up contours can reduce erosion by up to 75% most common form of strip cropping can reduce erosion by up to 75% the width of the strips are based on the crop rotation and severity of the slope
1. Contour strip cropping	strips are planted at right angles to the natural slope of the land	to protect against sheet an drill erosion	See above
2. Field strip cropping	strips of uniform width are planted across the slope	to protect against sheet and rill erosion	See above
3. Contour buffer strip cropping	permanent strips of grass or forage are planted between even-width strips of crops in regular rotation	to protect against sheet and rill erosion	See above

| Top of Page |

Water Erosion Control

A number of structures can be used to control a concentrated flow that is causing a gully or rill in a field (see Table 2-8. Water Erosion Control). These structures will require less maintenance if combined with minimum till or no-till. Strip cropping is another option for protecting the soil from water erosion. This practice involves planting alternating strips of row crops with a cereal or forage. Combining conservation tillage with strip cropping will increase the width of the strips required.

Stream and Ditch Protection

Ditch and stream banks are often a significant source of sediment in water. Unprotected banks will continue to erode, cutting into valuable farmland. Increasing calls to protect ground and surface water underline the need to protect this resource. A number of measures can be implemented to protect stream and ditch banks as well the water flowing in them. High stream flows, cattle and machinery can subject banks to erosion.

Concentrated flows entering a watercourse can cause rill or gully erosion. Stream banks and ditches are usually stabilized with one or more of the following: drop pipes, rock chutes, buffer strips, tile outlet protection or header tile.

Livestock should be restricted from all watercourses; many fencing options are available. Bridges, culverts or low-level crossings are some of the options available to move livestock and machinery safely.

| Top of Page |

Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Often additional protection from the wind is necessary when there is not enough residue to hold soil in place. Windbreaks and shelterbelts can provide that protection by slowing down wind speeds near the ground. Windbreaks usually have five or fewer rows and shelterbelts have six or more rows.

Fragile Land Retirement

Occasionally, the erosion cannot be controlled on a field or part of a field. The erosion may be too extreme or the field has some other limitation making it unprofitable or unsustainable to farm. Fragile land could include areas along creeks, lakes and wetlands that may be subject to flooding or other land that is subject to severe erosion. This land should be retired from production to pasture or woods.

Updates on Soil Management and Fertilizer Use: Erosion Control

No updates available at this time.

In This Section

Topics