source: motherearthnews.com
source: mda.state.mn.us
Contour Farming
People plant crops in rows that go around
hills instead of up and down hills.
This process slows the flow of rain water
downhill and reduces soil erosion. It also
reduces movement of fertilizer and
herbicides off of fields.
Cover Crops
During the off-season (usually winter),
grasses or legumes are planted in fields.
This process protects topsoil from erosion
by wind and rain. Plant roots hold topsoil in
place, and legumes add nitrogen to the soil.
Crops like corn need nitrogen to grow.
source: thisland.illinois.edu
Critical Area Planting
People plant grass, trees, or shrubs on steep
slopes where bare soil is eroding.
This technique is often used to protect
slopes that border streams. Bare soil
erodes quickly, but plants help hold the soil
in place and reduce erosion.
source: ipm.iaststate.edu
Crop Residue Management and
No-Till Farming
People leave part of a crop on the soil surface
when they harvest the crop.
The plant material protects the soil during and
between plantings. Farmers often plant the
next season’s crops without plowing the soil.
Unplowed soil is much less likely to erode.
source: www.kings.co.nz
Crop Rotation
Farmers plant crops in a certain pattern. The
next season, each type of crop is planted in a
new location.
This technique helps balance the nutrients
in the soil. Some plants (like legumes) add
nitrogen to the soil, and the nitrogen can be
used by other plants. Rotation also breaks up
the life cycle of pests like insects and weeds.
source: www.thorburn.co.nz
Farm Pond/Sediment Control Pond
Water is allowed to collect at the bottom of a
slope. When the water stops moving, it drops
the soil and other particles it is carrying.
This technique allows soil and nutrients to
settle in one location instead of being carried
into a stream. The soil can be dredged
(scooped up) every so often and placed back
on the land.
source: ny.nrcs.usda.gov
Grade Control Structure or Diversion
A dam or other barrier is built to regulate
water flow and reduce erosion.
Sometimes the ground is reshaped so that
water running off the land is redirected to
slow it down before it enters a stream. This
also reduces erosion.
source: ny.nrcs.usda.gov
source: wi.nrcs.usda.gov
Grassed Waterways
Plants are placed in the ditches between
farm fields. Plants and their roots slow the
speed of water running off fields.
This technique reduces entry of soil and
nutrients into streams. Slow-moving water
drops the soil and some nutrients it is
carrying. Some of the water also sinks into
the ground instead of entering streams.
Stream Protection
(includes filter or buffer zones)
Livestock animals are kept away from a
stream to stop them from damaging the
banks and getting their waste in the water.
Strips of grasses or bushes are planted along
the sides of a stream to reduce soil erosion
and keep nutrients or other
pollutants from entering the stream.
source: geographyfieldwork.com
source: dot.state.oh.us
source: baconsrebellion.com
Terrace Farming
“Steps” are cut into the sides of a steep hill.
Planting is done on the flat part of each step.
Rain water moves slowly over a flat surface. It
sinks into the ground and waters plants instead
of carrying topsoil and fertilizer down the hill.
Wetland Restoration
Areas where water sits on the surface of the
ground are protected or expanded.
Nutrients and eroding topsoil collect in the
water and are used by plants as they grow.
Soil and nutrients used by plants don’t enter
streams or the Bay.
Windbreaks
Rows of trees are planted along the edges of
fields. They help to slow down the air moving
across fields.
Slower moving air carries less topsoil and
other agricultural chemicals into waterways
that flow to the Bay.