What Does a Soil Profile Have to Do With Erosion?

Erosion

• Natural erosion from wind or water removes soil at the same rate which nature makes it. It takes 100 to 500 years to create 1 inch of topsoil. Unnatural erosion problems are created by overgrazing, overtilling and excessive use of chemical soil additives. Soil in the U.S. is eroded 10 times faster than it is created. A soil profile analysis helps farmers and land managers identify and remedy soil depletion caused by erosion.

Soil Profile Analysis

• A soil profile of loam is ideal for growing ornamental plants and food crops. The soil profile of loam is a combination of sand, silt, clay and organic matter (humus). Organic matter remedies both clay and sandy soil profiles by adding microorganisms that help transport water and oxygen through soil, improving structure and texture. Soil profile analysis often includes a report on the microorganism populations in soil. The health of soil and its ability to resist erosion pressure is determined by its organic matter content and microorganism population.

Erosion and Nutrition

• Soil profiles alert farmers and gardeners to potential erosion problems. Eroded soil cannot support root systems or maintain moisture. A soil profile analysis reveals whether soil is in danger of erosion because it is depleted of living organic matter and the microorganisms that create nutrient-rich food. Depleted soil produces food crops with lower nutritional value. Farmers improve the soil profile through the addition of organic matter, composted animal manures, seaweed by-products and rock powders.

Home Garden Soil Profile

• Understanding the soil profile in your home garden can help you reduce erosion and soil degradation problems. Hold a handful of dirt in your hand, squeeze it lightly and open your hand to let it fall out. Overly clayey soil remains in a tight ball; overly sandy soil falls apart quickly; and productive garden loam forms small clumps that indicate adequate organic matter content. The addition of backyard compost or commercial compost to soil improves the soil profile and nutrient content.