EROSION
Protecting
Soil & Water
Erosion is a natural process. However, there are farming practices that can cause higher rates of erosion. This in turn reduces agricultural productivity, fills ditches and waterways, carries nutrients or chemicals to streams and can negatively affect wildlife.
On a single acre of land, losing the equivalent of a dime thickness of soil (1/32 of an inch) can equal 5 tons of soil!
How We Help
There are recommended Best Management Practices, or BMPs, that landowners can implement on their property to control erosion and minimize soil loss. Depending on your soils, climate, topography, or agricultural management implementing a single BMP or a suite of BMPs will go a long way in curtailing erosion. At the District we provide free technical assistance to help plan and implement BMPs on your property.
Financial Support
Support is available through the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs to address erosion and water quality
The NRCS Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program supports landowners in improving streamside areas to increase biological function and filter upland contaminants. Contact Rachel Kato for more information on this program.
Project Ideas, Examples, & Successes
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Sheet and rill erosion can cause massive amounts of soil loss.
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Use a no-till drill to plant cover crops.
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Cover cropping in young hazelnut orchards prevents soil erosion
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Planting hedgerows filters run-off, provides a wind break and creates wildlife habitat.
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Mulching is a BMP that provides many benefits for erosion control. We recommend that mulching be done at 85% coverage to prevent erosion.
Got a question?
Talk to a conservationist!
We are here to connect you to the resources you need. Feel free to reach out if you have a question, concern, or want to request a site visit.
