Soil Erosion Prevention Tips

Soil erosion (the movement of soil) is a common occurrence among farmers and homeowners alike. Although it seems like a simple concept, the consequences of this natural process can be extreme. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop this process from happening. Below, we’ve created the following guide with tips for preventing soil erosion. Keep reading to learn more, and call Boehm Tractor Sales with any questions or if you’d like to learn more about our farm equipment for sale. We are located in Shiner, Texas and proudly serve Seguin and Austin!

What are the Causes?

Soil erosion occurs when dirt, sediment, or rock fragments are detached from the ground in some way. Grade and length of slope can indicate when and how the process may occur, because these can impact how vulnerable the soil is to being washed or blown away. Common causes of soil erosion include heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, deforestation and urbanization, overgrazing, and agricultural tillage. Below, we cover the two most common causes of soil erosion.

Water

Water is the most common culprit of soil erosion. Rain can destroy pond dams and tear away crop rows too. This is because water will hit the surface of the dirt and break down and disperse the particles, washing them away.

Wind

You probably don’t think much about wind messing with your dirt; however, wind is another big cause of soil erosion. If the ground consists of rocks, clay, silt, wind can quickly rip away at the surface and create an unideal environment for your vegetation. Particles will be scattered everywhere!

Prevention Strategies

Now that you know why soil erosion occurs, it’s time to learn how to prevent this process from happening at all. Although this is a natural occurrence, there are steps you can take to decrease the chances of the process happening. The goal is to slow down the effects of natural elements, like the wind and the rain.

We suggest establishing windbreaks like planted trees and structures. These will offer protection from the wind and help to prevent soil erosion. Another option is to create strong root systems beneath the surface. Vegetation with strong roots will better hold the dirt in place.

If your land has a lot of steep grades and inclines, consider investing in mats to prevent soil erosion. You may also want to plant across a slope instead of vertically on it. These are just a few of the ways you can combat the problem.

We hope this guide helps you prevent soil erosion on your farm! If you want any more information or you’re looking to buy some new equipment for your farm, reach out to Boehm Tractor Sales in Shiner, Texas. We are proud to serve Seguin and Austin too. We can’t wait to help you make your operation more efficient and enjoyable!