1. Soil Erosion and Building up the soil

2. Agriculture and Soil Erosion
Soil Erosion: The wearing away of the topsoil layers in fields.
Causes:
Wind Erosion: Bare dry fields will
lose top soil as the wind travels over
the field and picks up soil
Water Erosion: Rain water builds
up on bare fields and with nothing to
hold it on place the water will eventually
runoff carrying the nutrient rich top soil
with it

3. Why does erosion matter
Erosion rate Increases at 40 times the natural level
Eroded fields cannot grow crops
Desertification
Loss of water ways (top soil holds water and prevents evaporation)
Plants take CO2 out of the air which helps prevent climate change
No topsoil = no plants

4. Ways to Prevent Erosion
Growing plants between growing seasons
Types of plants used as a cover crop:
Clover
Alfalfa
Legumes
Other benefits of cover crops:
- Used as Green Manure (fertilizer)
- Crops such as clover, peas and beans will increase nitrogen in the soil

5. Ways to Prevent Erosion
2) Mulching: Process of covering the surface of the soil in order to prevent water loss. Provides habitats for beneficial insects and prevents weed growth
Bark Mulch Stones
Types of mulch:
Bark mulch
Hay or straw
Stones
Plastic covering
Landscaping cloth
Grass clippings
Pine needles

6. Pros and Cons of The Different Types of Mulches
Type of Mulch
Pros
Cons
Bark Mulch
Sustainable (by product of the forestry industry). Breaks down to compost
Decomposing wood steals nitrogen from soil
Hay and Straw
Sustainable and cheap. Breaks down to compost
Hay seed end up germinating in the garden

7. Pros and Cons of The Different Types of Mulches
Type of Mulch
Pros
Cons
Bark Mulch
Sustainable (by product of the forestry industry). Breaks down to compost
Decomposing wood steals nitrogen from soil
Hay and Straw
Sustainable and cheap. Breaks down to compost
Hay seeds that will end up germinating in the garden
Stones
Can be used year after year. Decorative
Costly (to buy and transport). Does not breakdown to feed soil
Plastic Coverings
Not sustainable but easy to apply
Does not add nutrients to soil or hold water

8. Pros and Cons of The Different Types of Mulches
Type of Mulch
Pros
Cons
Bark Mulch
Sustainable (by product of the forestry industry). Breaks down to compost
Decomposing wood steals nitrogen from soil
Hay and Straw
Sustainable and cheap. Breaks down to compost
May contain seeds that will end up germinating in the garden
Stones
Can be used year after year. Decorative
Costly (to buy and transport). Does not breakdown to feed soil
Plastic Coverings
Not sustainable but easy to apply
Does not add nutrients to soil or hold water
Landscaping Cloth
Reusable.
Expensive .Does not hold water or build soil

9. Pros and Cons of The Different Types of Mulches
Type of Mulch
Pros
Cons
Bark Mulch
Sustainable (by product of the forestry industry). Breaks down to compost
Decomposing wood steals nitrogen from soil
Hay and Straw
Sustainable and cheap. Breaks down to compost
May contain seeds that will end up germinating in the garden
Stones
Can be used year after year. Decorative
Costly (buy and transport). Does not breakdown to feed soil
Plastic Coverings
Not sustainable but easy to apply
Does not add nutrients to soil or hold water
Landscaping Cloth
Reusable.
Expensive .Does not hold water or build soil
Grass Clippings
Sustainable and often free. Breaks down to compost which feeds soil
If put in too thick it will go moldy
Pine needles
Sustainable and free in some areas
decreases the pH