Erosion Control On Ag Land

When natural vegetation is cleared and farmland is ploughed, the exposed topsoil is often blown away by wind or washed away by rain. Rain and other natural forces can also create larger erosion issues like gullies or bank instability. This often results in the loss of valuable topsoil. The soil carried away in rain or irrigation water can also lead to sedimentation and eutrophication of rivers, creeks and coastal areas, which can impact wildlife habitat. Some food safety practices make managing erosion even more challenging.

The benefits of controlling erosion may include higher crop yields, healthier and more productive soils, drought and rainfall resilience, cleaner air and water, compatibility with wildlife and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

The RCD offers confidential site visits and works closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and many other partners to provide expert technical assistance and financial resources to address erosion. We help landowners and growers in many ways from reduced till, cover cropping, contour farming, vegetative barriers to working with engineers to address larger issues like gullies or unstable banks.