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Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration |
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Beneficial practices which conserve soil qualityCaring for our soil resources is becoming increasingly critical as the supply of dependable agricultural land decreases from competition by other uses, such as urban development. Healthy soils are key to producing good harvests of crops, and minimizes expenses such as fertilizer and pest control. If we let agricultural soils become degraded, there will be no new soil to take its place. Although progress has been made in improving the health of some of our agricultural soils, soil degradation remains a serious concern today. PFRA has determined that more than 50% of annually cropped fields are exposed to erosion by wind, water and tillage each year on the Prairies. Extreme weather events, such as high winds, heavy rains, and consecutive years of drought can cause significant erosion damage and loss of soil productivity . New solutions are needed to further reduce soil degradation on the Prairies. Maintaining and improving soil quality will provide economic benefits in the form of increased productivity, more efficient use of nutrients and pesticides, improvement in water and air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gases.
There are many practices that can be used to help conserve soil quality and reduce erosion. No one conservation practice is suited to all situations due to differences in soil type, topography, type of farming operation, and climate. The best management practices may vary from year to year but the principles behind these practices remain maintaining soil organic matter, managing surface runoff and protecting exposed soil surfaces. Although soils on different farms may require widely different management approaches to control soil erosion and improve soil quality, there are a number of beneficial practices which are viable approaches for Prairie farmers. How can soil quality be protected?
The importance of maintaining and improving soil quality is not just a productivity or yield issue. The quality of our air and water resources are also at stake since they are so closely linked to soil quality. Proper agricultural production and agroforestry practices can maintain and improve soil quality through: preventing wind and water erosion; decreasing salinization; increasing organic matter levels; improving soil structure and increasing soil fertility. Our soils must be managed for organic matter content first. Productivity and profit will follow. The challenge is to find and employ conservation practices best adapted to your farm. Find out how you can take action to preserve and improve soil quality. Browse our factsheets and articles below. Related informationGrazing: a Natural Component of Grassland Ecozone Riparian SystemsUsing Off-Stream Water Sources as a Beneficial Management Practice in Riparian Areas - A Literature Review Economics of zero till Economics of conservation fallow Economics of shelterbelts Emergency Control of Wind Erosion Managing crop residue on the Prairies Manitoba Soil Conservation Manual Prairie soils: the case for conservation Strip farming for wind erosion control Tillage practices that reduce soil erosion See also: PFRA Shelterbelt Centre publications Planning Field Shelterbelts Field Shelterbelt Facts Design Field Shelterbelts to Prevent Wind Erosion |
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