Apply Effective Conservation Methods: 20+ Remarkable Ways to Conserve Soil
Our soil is very important when it comes to our quality of life. It not only plays a role in how things grow, but in the air that we breathe. There are methods that can protect and conserve our soil at the same time. The goal here is to reduce erosion and to ensure the soil’s fertility. These can be performed by the average citizen or by entire business industries. Applying good operating procedures is one idea in this process. Practicing overall environmentally friendly habits is another idea and successful method. Conservation approaches are a benefit to individual communities and the entire Earth.
With so many environmental issues going around like air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, global warming, ocean acidification, depletion of ozone layer, people are looking into ways of keeping our planet sound. One such way to do this is soil conservation. Soil conservation is the prevention of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by over usage, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination.
Let’s take a look at 20+ ways to protect and conserve the soil.
1. Forest Protection
The natural forest cover in many areas has been decreased due to commercial activity. One of the purposes this cover provided was the protection of the soil. Businesses involved in building can conserve by ensuring these areas are protected.
2. Buffer Strips
Soil erosion is a large problem that is being battled around the country. This is particularly an issue where there are natural bodies of water. Buffer strips come in handy for conservation efforts. They provide protection where stream banks exist. They can be created with grass, trees and shrubs.
3. No-Till Farming
There are a number of approaches used when it comes to farming. It is possible to do this work and still conserve the soil. No-till farming is an approach that allows crops to remain in place for a season. This keeps the soil from being left bare and unprotected.
4. Fewer Concrete Surfaces
Soil requires an adequate amount of water in order to function properly. Lots of concrete surfaces, especially in residential areas make it difficult for water to get to the soil. Using paving stones for patios and gardens work to protect the soil. They are also a tool to prevent soil erosion in specific areas.
5. Plant Windbreak Areas
Windbreaks are composed of shrubs, plants and trees. They work in combination and serve a conservation purpose. These will work together to slow the force of wind over ground areas. This is a method that can also work to prevent erosion of the soil.
6. Terrace Planting
This type of planting is done by maximizing the topography of the land. It benefits from the way the rain water flows naturally. This is a way to protect the soil from erosion. It is also a proven method to encourage growth from moist soil areas.
7. Plant Trees
Simply planting trees is a good conservation method. As the tree grows, its roots become even more secure in the soil. This soil is protected in numerous ways because of the trees existence. Erosion is prevented from this planting process.
8. Crop Rotation
The way you plant your crops can have an impact on the soil. Crop rotation is a process that works to conserve soil. It is accomplished by planting and growing a serious of different crops in the same soil. This process prevents overgrowth of pathogens and a lack of fertility in the soil, overall.
9. Water the Soil
This is a simple process that provides a lot of benefits to the soil. Watering your soil along with plants and vegetables is important. This helps to not only nourish the soil but to protect it. Moist soil is not in danger of erosion due to wind activity.
10. Maintain pH
The pH levels in the soil can be affected by a number of things. Pollutants and acid are just two examples in this category. Purchasing a soil tester is a good way to monitor your soil’s levels. This also allows you to learn what needs to be added to ensure healthy soil and conservation.
11. Add Earthworms
There are a variety of things that live in the soil around us. You can add earthworms to your soil to ensure its health. This is a conservation method that encourages the decomposition of organic material. This is what earthworms do on a regular basis. They increase the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients.
12. Indigenous Crops
Farming is all about diversity but indigenous crops are important. These are native crop options that enhance the soil. Planting these is a way to ensure conservation efforts. They should be planted even when diverse crops are being planted, as well.
13. Mulch
There are a number of different mulch products on the market. The majority of these are used to simply beautify lawns. These are actually great conservation tools that protect the soil. Mulch works to prevent erosion from the wind. It is also a great product to help the soil to retain the water it needs.
14. Afforestation
Planting trees is a method of conserving the soil. Protecting the areas under trees, also called afforestation, is another method. This means planting foliage in forest undergrowth areas. This works to encourage healthy soil and water absorption.
15. Monitor Grazing
Farmers in different industries can play a critical role to conserving soil. These are often farmers with animals that graze. Monitoring the areas that cows and other animals graze is important. This helps to prevent depletion of the soil. It also addresses the issue of hoof damage, which can occur to the soil.
16. Dams
Dams are important resources when it comes to soil conservation. These structures work to prevent soil erosion. This is especially important in areas where rivers exist. Flooding of rivers has been the cause for many instances of soil erosion. Dams offer additional protection.
17. Fertilizers
Not all fertilizer products are effective for conservation efforts. The composition of these fertilizers can be the problem. Ingredients that damage the soil affect the crops that are grown. At the same time, there may be lasting damage to the soil itself.
18. No Compacting
A simple conservation method that some gardeners and farmers apply is not to compact the soil. This is a protection method that is helpful. You can do this by creating dedicated paths in your garden. This helps you to not walk on wet soil causing it to be compacted.
19. Control Storm Water
Instead of allowing water to puddle in yards or gardens, it is important to control it. Storm water can easily cause flooding or problems in these areas. Setting up large container to hold excess water in problem locations is helpful. This water can be re-used for watering gardens and yards.
20. Monitor Growth
When crops or plants grow normally, they have a healthy appearance. It there is a problem with the growth, often the soil is the issue. Checking the salient composition and fertility is important. This is done through regular monitoring of the soil and overall plant growth.
21. Accent Vegetation
There are certain types of vegetation that acts as an accent to the planting process. These don’t only have visual appeal; they help planted items grow properly. Clover and rye are two examples of these accents. These vegetation ideas can work to prevent runoff which in turn protects the soil.
22. Tilling Approach
The no-till approach is one of the best when it comes to soil conservation. Individuals may opt to find a less harmful way to till the soil. This process can work to enhance the soil’s composition. It is important to consider your crops, garden location and the amount of rain water it gets before tilling the soil.
Conservation is done through efforts applied right now. The broader goal for these efforts leads into the future. There are natural occurrences, like storms, that cause their fair share of erosion problems. Commercial activities tend to cause a lot of the issues with the soil around us. Everyone working together can protect the soil and enhance its natural fertility benefits.
