How to Prevent Farmland Runoff
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Table of Contents
Introduction
What are these methods?
Links
What is best for you?
Pros & Cons
A few key points to keep in mind
A Simple Introduction
Top
The basic principle behind preventing any erosion is find a way to lessen the impact of the cause, such as rain and wind. For prevention of rain-driven erosion, it is important to anchor the dirt down, such as with grass, or prevent water from collecting and picking up dirt as it flows down slope. A common way to prevent this is contour ploughing.
images with permission by Dr. J. Floor Anthoni
What is...
Top
Terracing-
Making slopes into steps so that rain cannot run down a hill carrying soil off. When building terraces, it is important to stabilize the slope.
-The easiest way to do this is to plant grass. If there is enough rock around it may be possible to construct a wall out of them.
Contour Ploughing-
Similar to terracing, except that it follows the contours of a hill more closely than terracing, possibly even encircling a hill top
The contours are not wide like terraces. It is more like planting along the contours, so the hill slope remains.
The experiment link in the table below show some pictures of contour ploughing
Riparian Fencing-
Having fencing along stream/river banks prevents animals from walking along the edge and loosening the soil to be more easily washed away
-This can also be done with vegetation (riparian vegetation; this also shields the banks from erosion)
Retirement Fencing-
Closing off areas, or retiring them, allows for seedlings to grow and the ground to recover if it needs to
Debris Dams-
Small barriers, spaced closely together, in steep gullies will catch soil, preventing it from continuing downstream. Click here and scroll down to see a drawing
Table of Contents
Introduction
What are these methods?
Links
What is best for you?
Pros & Cons
A few key points to keep in mind
A Simple Introduction
Top
The basic principle behind preventing any erosion is find a way to lessen the impact of the cause, such as rain and wind. For prevention of rain-driven erosion, it is important to anchor the dirt down, such as with grass, or prevent water from collecting and picking up dirt as it flows down slope. A common way to prevent this is contour ploughing.
images with permission by Dr. J. Floor Anthoni
What is...
Top
Terracing-
Making slopes into steps so that rain cannot run down a hill carrying soil off. When building terraces, it is important to stabilize the slope.
-The easiest way to do this is to plant grass. If there is enough rock around it may be possible to construct a wall out of them.
Contour Ploughing-
Similar to terracing, except that it follows the contours of a hill more closely than terracing, possibly even encircling a hill top
The contours are not wide like terraces. It is more like planting along the contours, so the hill slope remains.
The experiment link in the table below show some pictures of contour ploughing
Riparian Fencing-
Having fencing along stream/river banks prevents animals from walking along the edge and loosening the soil to be more easily washed away
-This can also be done with vegetation (riparian vegetation; this also shields the banks from erosion)
Retirement Fencing-
Closing off areas, or retiring them, allows for seedlings to grow and the ground to recover if it needs to
Debris Dams-
Small barriers, spaced closely together, in steep gullies will catch soil, preventing it from continuing downstream. Click here and scroll down to see a drawing
Most of these are pretty self explanatory, but here is a little
extra information, help and some "how to's" with a few topics...
extra information, help and some "how to's" with a few topics...
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What is best for you?
Top
The method you use is basically already determined by the problem you have,
whether it be losing soil on the farmland itself or losing soil to stream and rivers.
If your problem is in your fields, and you do not have any major contour ploughing will probably best.
It is a very effective and common method of farming on hills.
Terracing will be a good method for large operations if you are able to afford the costs.
Remember to grass the backs of each terrace to prevent erosion here.
If your erosion issues are around streams, grassing the water ways and riparian vegetation may be suitable.
Use riparian fencing if cattle or other animals are causing the soil to fall away into the stream/river.
<>
What is best for you?
Top
The method you use is basically already determined by the problem you have,
whether it be losing soil on the farmland itself or losing soil to stream and rivers.
If your problem is in your fields, and you do not have any major contour ploughing will probably best.
It is a very effective and common method of farming on hills.
Terracing will be a good method for large operations if you are able to afford the costs.
Remember to grass the backs of each terrace to prevent erosion here.
If your erosion issues are around streams, grassing the water ways and riparian vegetation may be suitable.
Use riparian fencing if cattle or other animals are causing the soil to fall away into the stream/river.
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A few key points to keep in mind...
- Make sure the vegetation you choose to use is able to survive in the location and that it will not begin to spread excessively and take over local wild life or your farmland
- No matter what method you choose, it is imperative that you keep up maintenance. A simple and occasional check-up on fences, trees, grass, etc. will suffice. If the method is not cared for, it will only last temporarily and will become a waste of time and money, and may also become a future burden
Page Created By: Adam Blankenbicker
ablankenbicker[at]hotmail.com
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931
ablankenbicker[at]hotmail.com
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931
Created on March 01, 2005
Last Updated on April 24, 2005
Last Updated on April 24, 2005