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Soil erosion by wind in Alberta (credit Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development)

Lethbridge County asks producers to monitor for field soil erosion

Mar 31, 2021 | 1:51 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Winter cycles of freezing and thawing, combined with the dry, windy weather of the last few months, has Lethbridge County officials worried about the possible development of soil erosion in the region.

Local producers are being encouraged to monitor their fields for erosion and take steps to prevent future issues. Soil erosion can be devastating to producers as it causes substantial damage to agricultural land and subsequent losses in crop production. For each inch of topsoil lost to erosion, crop yields can be lowered by several bushels per acre. Erosion also removes nutrients from the soil, making it less productive

Lethbridge County’s Agriculture Service Board wants to work with local producers, in an effort to combat the effects of soil erosion. However, when there is a lack of compliance the County has the authority under the Soil Conservation Act to issue a Soil Conservation Notice. The notice allows the municipality to take the necessary steps to stop soil loss from occurring and remedial costs are charged back to the landowner.

More information can be found in the Soil Conservation Act and in the Alberta Government’s Wind Erosion Control section.

If a field has begun to experience soil erosion, there are steps producers can take. Lethbridge County has knowledgeable staff that can assist landowners in preventing and reducing blowing soil as a result of erosion.

Please call the County’s resources if assistance is needed. Staff can be reached at (403) 732-5333 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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