The impact of soil erosion on farming is significant. It causes the detachment and carrying away of soil particles affecting the fertility of farmland and woodland. Over the years, multiple soil erosion control methods have been employed in a bid to reduce erosion and its impact on farming activities.
Some of the approaches have been structural, which involve building structures like stone walls to reduce erosion. Others have been vegetative, such as planting hedges, while other strategies are integrated.
Soil erosion control has many benefits and a significant impact on water availability and farmland productivity. Effective soil erosion control interventions also play an essential role in preserving biodiversity.
Here are some technologies you can employ on your land to curb the challenge of soil erosion.
- Forestry Mulching
If you are looking to have a land clearing in Virginia, then you may want to consider forestry mulching. It is a land clearing technique that uses a machine to clear unwanted vegetation leaving behind a layer of operational mulch.
The technique is the most efficient and cost-effective land clearing method that also benefits your soil and farmland.
Through forestry mulching, vegetation is cleared selectively. Tree stumps, branches and trees are also removed and collected to create a layer of mulch that provides your farm with superior protection from soil erosion.
The waste is biodegradable and, with time, helps reintroduce nutrients to the soil. The technology reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It has also been found to help with weed and pest control.
- Semi-Circular Bund
Semi-circular bunds have been effectively employed in different parts of the world to rehabilitate degraded and hardened land, and also control soil erosion.
It involves building low embarkments using stones, soil or vegetation, creating a semi-circle and leaving an opening facing the water flow. The technology will work well if your farmland is in a plateau or gently sloping area.
They slow down the flow of water downslope, reducing erosion and increasing the soil’s green water pool.
- Rock Wall Terracing
In the rock wall terracing erosion control technology, stones and rocks are collected and piled in contour lines. The technique is used in hilly areas.
The terraces reduce erosion and help farmers make land preparation easy by reducing the amount of naturally occurring rocks on the farm. It also helps in segmenting land for diversification.
Note that the most critical function of terraces and application in soil erosion control is reducing the power of surface runoff. By slowing down the flow of water, erosion is reduced. This also allows water to flow underground.
Conclusion
Soil erosion control is essential in preserving soil nutrients and maintaining the fertility of farmland. Property owners and managers need to assess the condition of the topsoil on the farms and identify a technology that will work for the land type.
Forestry mulching, bunds and terraces are some of the tried and tested technologies for soil erosion control and restoration.
