soil conservation and land management

detachment

particals break apart from parent rock

transport

particals then move by wind or water

deposition

the placing of the eroded material in a new location

sheet (water erosion)

relatively uniform erosion from the entire soil surface

rill (water erosion)

initiated when the water concentrates in small channels (rills) as it runs off the soil. subsequent cultivation mat erase rills, but it does not replace the lost soil.

gully (water erosion)

creates deep channels that cannot be erased by cultivation

soil creep (wind erosion)

sliding/rolling

saltation (wind erosion)

bouncing

suspension (wind erosion)

long-term/distance dispersal

cover crops (bmp)

planting cover crops such as grasses and legumes helps protect the soil from erosion by providing ground cover and stabilizing the soil structure

fall/winter cover crop takes up nitrate preventing leaching losses

can significantly reduce N fertilizer needs

mulching (bmp)

applying mulch such as straw, wood chips, or plastic coverings to the soil surface helps to protect against erosion by reducing the impact of rainfall and wind on the soil

grass contour hedges (bmp)

the use of vegetative barriers to create natural terrance

winbreaks

the effect of a windbreak on wind velocity. the wind is deflected upward by the trees and is slowed down even before reaching them. on the leeward side further reduction occurs.

what nutrients can impact water quality

nitrogen and phospherous - can lead to eutrophication

conservation tillage

minimizing soil disturbance, prevents erosion and keeps soil-bound nutrients in place

constructed wetlands

• artificial wetland ecosystem vegetation for biological treatment of water

• treat wastewater or contaminated runoff

• reduce contaminants in storm water runoff or other water flows

land/businesses that the DE NMP requires nutrient management plan for

golc courses, turf, athletic fields, lawn care companies, agriculture (10+ acres)

elements of a DE nutrient management plan

• plant identification

• animal information as with AWMP

• field maps

• crop and nutrient information

• best management practices (voluntary)

• implementation records

required practices for the DE NMP

• realistic yield goals (rate)

• manure storage requirements

• soil test and manure analysis (rate)

• application restrictions (rate, timing, and method)

• record keeping and reporting