How does soil erosion impact agriculture?
The most productive soil, which contains organic matter, is near the land surface. Once this topsoil is removed, only the less productive subsoil remains. Crops do not grow well on subsoil. Can topsoil be replaced? Yes, but it’s a slow process. Eventually, subsoil becomes more productive topsoil if the right conditions are present. The subsoil must have plenty of rain, be broken up by freezing and thawing, and be exposed to the air and mixed by worms before it becomes topsoil. It can take from 30 to 100 years to form one inch of topsoil. Are there regulations in place to prevent soil erosion? Cities often require installation of erosion-control measures when subdivision roads and new homes are being built. Counties, townships, and watershed districts may regulate other land use, such as agriculture, to control erosion. How can I get more information about soil erosion? You can start by calling your local SWCD. Minnesota has 91 SWCDs, most of which are formed along county lines. SWCDs o
