Many Alabama farmers have already begun preparing for this year's crops. Soil preparation is key to the health of a good crop. However, another area of major concern for every farmer is soil erosion. 

The natural process of soil erosion can be caused by either water, wind or tillage. In agricultural areas around the world, soil is eroding at a rate of several tons per acre each year. Erosion has decreased in the U.S. by 40% since the early 1980s due to government conservation programs, technological advances and extension education efforts.

Wherever it geologically occurs, the impact of soil erosion affects areas both on and off the farm. 

On-farm impacts of soil erosion include a reduction in soil quality due to a loss of nutrient-rich topsoil. When the soil loses its upper fertile soil, it also loses its ability to hold water. The result is a lower crop yield, an increase in soil crusting or drying, the development of gullies and rills in the field and more runoff, particularly after rain storms. Seedling survival is reduced and plants are susceptible to stress as soil is removed from their surrounding root systems. Erosion also spreads plant pathogens and bacteria to surrounding plants which can result in lower crop yields.

Over the years, U.S. farmers have been able to compensate by increasing fertilization and improving crop varieties. However, the addition of fertilizers can lead to another problem off the farm.

Off-farm impacts of erosion include additional sediment and agricultural chemicals, like fertilizers, which make their way into watercourses (dams, rivers and lakes). In rivers, excess sediment downstream can build up and cause flooding. Chemical runoff can pollute water sources, including drinking water. Both wreak havoc on water ecosystems, throwing it off balance. Air quality is also negatively affected by the spread of chemicals and bacteria in air particles.

How can soil erosion be controlled or at least managed?

1. Conservation Tillage--Widely adopted in the Midwest, conservation tillage is a simple, low cost practice that leaves at least 30% residue cover on the ground.

2. Contour Farming and Strip Cropping--Contour farming is a method of planting crops along the slope of a hill or raised area with strips of grass or ground cover running between row crops to reduce runoff. Strip cropping includes growing strips of cultivated crops, like corn or cotton, alternating with strips of a sod-forming crop, like hay or alfalfa, to reduce erosion. When slopes are steep, both planting methods can be combined to further deter runoff and erosion.

3. Cover Crops--Mainly planted in the fall, cover crops, like rye, provide soil cover during the winter months to help reduce soil erosion.

4. Grassed Waterways--Either natural or constructed, grassed waterways are strips of grass seeded in areas where water concentrates or flows from a field to reduce gullies and channel water erosion.

5. Terraces--This method involves planting crops in rows of graduated terraces along a hill or elevated area into the slope. Built on a slight grade, water is then channeled to a natural or constructed outlet or waterway.

6. Windbreaks--A good method for protection from wind erosion, windbreaks (usually shrubs or trees) are planted along outer crop rows.

7. Grass Barriers--Like windbreaks, grass barriers or buffers are strips of tall, dense, stiff-stemmed grasses that are planted perpendicular to a slope of row crops to reduce erosion and water runoff.

8. Crop Rotation--The rotation planting of different crop families helps maintain soil fertility and prevents erosion. It is also an effective way to control insect pests.

Whether caused by wind, water or tillage, soil erosion can be managed by maintaining ground cover or barriers and improving tillage and planting techniques utilizing the various soil conservation practice methods. When planning your garden or crop, be sure to incorporate some of these methods. The long-term health and success of your land (and your crops) depend on it.