How Soil Erosion Impacts Farm Productivity and What to do About it
2016
- UW- Madison Soil Science
Project Media
Soil erosion continues to be a significant issue that affects farm productivity. Impacts of soil erosion on soil productivity are short- and long-term. Short-term, plant nutrient losses lower the fertility of the land, requiring additional fertilizer inputs to correct the decreased soil fertility. As soil erodes the depth of the soil profile is reduced, effectively decreasing the volume of soil crop roots have to explore for water and nutrients, which causes long-term productivity concerns. Both of these short- and longtermconcerns are highlighted by the renewed interest in practices that promote soilhealth, such as reduced tillage, crop rotations, and cover crops.