PowerPoint begins with teacher-led discussion (on next slide) Necessary materials:

PowerPoint Guide

Teacher Information!

What is runoff?

Why is runoff a problem?

What tactics are used to lessen the impacts or runoff?

Teacher-Led Discussion

Controlling Erosion on the Farm

Soil and Water ResourcesPgs 67-77 in Ch.6 of Managing Our Natural Resources

Students will be able to… Discuss the different methods that farmers

can use to control erosion. Identify the most important factor of erosion

control

Cover crops Close-growing crops protect soil Common in vineyards and orchards Used when erosion danger is severe Improve organic matter content Green manure crop

Cover crop is plowed under

Erosion Control Methods (1)

Crop rotation Decreases erosion danger Improves water absorption Increases soil organic matter content

Examples: 3-year rotation corn, soybeans**, wheat 4-year rotation corn, cotton, oats, hay **Benefits of legumes?

Erosion Control Methods (2)

Strip cropping Alternating bands of different crops

Corn-hay-corn-hay Used in conjunction with crop rotations Provides strip of heavier vegetation

Advantages?

Erosion Control Methods (3)

Grassed waterways Drainage ditch covered with dense

vegetation Widely used throughout world NOT cultivated Grass may be used for hay

Erosion Control Methods (4)

Conservation tillage To till… Economical Conserves soil and water All rely on crop residue to protect soil

Examples? Disadvantages v. advantages?

Erosion Control Methods (5)

Contour farming Don’t go up the hill…go around!

Why? Exactly perpendicular?

No… Disadvantage?

Erosion Control Methods (6)

Terracing Large surface channels Controlled rate of fall Conduct water to a protected area Use when slopes are greater than 2%

Erosion Control Methods (7)

Windbreaks Often for sheltering buildings Reduce cost of heating/cooling Slows moisture evaporation

Shelterbelts Provide shelter for crops and livestock

Conservation tillage Contour farming

Controlling Wind-Caused Erosion

What is the most important thing that can be done?

Use the land according to its CAPABILITY!

Then make use of appropriate erosion control methods.

EROSION!

Can you… Identify the different methods that farmers

can use to control erosion in the following slides?