Soil Conservation

Soil Conservation Definition

The main goal of soil conservation is to maintain or improve the productive capacity of the land by preventing soil degradation.

Soil degradation is caused by a number of factors, including:

• wind and water erosion. E.g., on bare soils after maize and wheat harvesting

• compaction. E.g., through heavy machinery used, especially tractors (as opposed to intentional soil compacting machinery, such as wheel rollers)

• deforestation. E.g., to make space for housing, animal rearing, etc.

• poor agricultural practices. E.g., insufficient irrigation, monocultures.

• chemical changes. E.g., loss of phosphorous, pH differentials

Soil conservation includes contour plowing and leaving fields uncultivated to regenerate. In addition to preventing soil degradation, soil conservation also seeks to improve soil fertility by adding organic matter and controlling pests and diseases. By increasing the productivity of the land, soil conservation helps to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and productive natural environment.

Soil Conservation Practices

Soil conservation efforts seek to address these problems through a variety of measures.

Different soil types and their vegetation are affected by abiotic factors.

Types of Soil Conservation

The most effective types of soil conservation depend on the type of soil and the type of ecosystem present!

The expectations of soil conservation in agriculture differ from the expectations of soil conservation in a protected primeval forest (forest with many centuries-old trees and other specific characteristics). Therefore, the land-use practices in place are very important.

Conserving Soil Mineral Qualities

All plants require a number of essential elements (nutrients) to grow and reproduce. 17 of these are essential, and while plants can always obtain elements such as carbon (C) and oxygen (O) from their environment, 14 of the essential nutrients they need are only found in soils and water. They include Zinc (Zn), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg). These elements get inside soils through rock weathering, manures, dead biological matter, and other ways.³

As you can imagine, plants can use up these nutrients, which leaves the soils less productive!

Bare Ground for Reptiles

It would be a mistake to think that only soil covered in rich vegetation can be useful or beneficial. Many reptile species prefer to bask in the sun on riverbanks, on those sandy soils. These soils get hotter than surrounding vegetation, which is ideal for their body temperature needs. Moreover, since reptiles tend to grow long but not tall, vegetation blocks their field of vision, and renders them more vulnerable to predators.

Encouraging Mycorrhizae

The fungus helps plants absorb certain nutrients such as phosphates and act as extensions for roots, even sending chemical signals between each other. In return, the fungus gets carbohydrates (sugars) from the plant.

Mycorrhizae are sensitive to certain pesticides or excess fertilisers, and are thus affected by unsustainable soil practices.

Importance of Soil Conservation

Soil is important because it is one of those resources that takes a long time to form! When erosion occurs, soils are washed away or removed by wind and water. Conserving soils means avoiding the negative effects of soil erosion, such as waterway sedimentation, or loss of food resources.

Generally, soil forms slowly over hundreds, thousands or even millions of years. In some cases, soil can form quicker.

Soil conservation also means protecting soil biota. Soil biota, which includes nematodes, spiders, ants, plants, algae, fungi, moles, shrews, etc., usually help aerate soils, reduce erosion and provide nutrients to soils.

Soil erosion causes damage around the world. A 2019 study estimated that water erosion suffered by agricultural soils costs the industry 8 billion US dollars.⁴

Advantages of Soil Conservation

General advantages of soil conservation include improving water quality, decreasing pollution and sedimentation in waterways, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change, improving agricultural productivity, enhancing biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

The main advantage we will be starting with is soil conservation improving water infiltration, filtration through sediments, and water storage (in aquifers, groundwater).

Next, long-term soil quality for food growing is ensured by avoiding soil contamination through erosion, or the loss of essential nutrients and moisture.

Habitats and shelters are made in and out of soils constantly.

For some of these animals, the soil they use needs to retain specific properties, such as thermal properties or aeration.

Carbon sequestration is something nature has been doing for a while with soils, and human are following suit.

Detritivores, Decomposers and Recycling

Decomposers, on the other hand, are classed as organisms such as fungi who can break down dead organic matter via external digestion.

Last but not least, what happens with dry and eroded soil? Well, it may as well turn into sand. Soil conservation helps prevent desertification.

Disadvantages of Soil Conservation

One disadvantage of soil conservation is that it can be expensive. Methods like terracing require significant upfront investment, and cover crops might need to be purchased each year, when autochthonous production is scarce. In addition, soil conservation requires ongoing maintenance.

Another disadvantage of soil conservation is that it can take away from other uses of a piece of land.

Soil conservation can have negative impacts on crop yield and soil quality in the short term, which may discourage farmers from implementing these practices. However, it is important to note that soil conservation is essential for long-term agricultural productivity and food security.

In conclusion, it is clear that soil is a key part of our planet’s long-term health and sustainability. By using one or more of the methods presented and reducing the practices that take away from soil quality, farmers can help to keep the soil healthy and productive for future generations.