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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #129111
Title: TILLAGE EROSION: AN OVERVIEW

Author
item Lindstrom, Michael
item LOBB, D - UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
item SCHUMACHER, T - SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: Annals of Arid Zone
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/25/2002
Publication Date: 12/31/2001
Citation: Lindstrom, M.J., Lobb, D.A., Schumacher, T.E. 2001. Tillage erosion: an overview. Annals of Arid Zone. 40(3):337-349.

Interpretive Summary: Tillage erosion, the progressive downslope movement of soil through the action of tillage, is a serious problem that needs to be considered during the development of conservation management plans. The concept that tillage erosion is a serious soil conservation problem has only recently been recognized. Our objective was to provide a basic understanding of the tillage erosion process and subsequent effects on soil properties and crop production potentials. Tillage erosion is directly proportional to degree and scale of topographic complexity. The magnitude of soil translocation from upslope positions, either convex slopes or upper field boundaries, can result in soil loss that greatly exceeds what would be considered sustainable. Interactions between tillage and water erosion requires that both processes be considered when developing conservation plans. The net effect of soil erosion, either tillage or water erosion, is an increase in field variability and a reduction in crop production potential. Conservation planners and practitioners can use the information to develop more effective conservation plans insuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural production.

Technical Abstract: Soil redistribution by tillage is becoming a recognized soil erosion process. Landscapes subject to tillage erosion are topographically complex or have a high number of field boundaries. Tillage erosion contributes to the evolution of landscape heterogeneity through creation of distinct landforms and the rapid redistribution of soils from upland positions to depressions. The resultant variability in soil properties has an important effect on crop production. Our objective was to describe the tillage erosion process and to discuss tillage erosion effects on soil properties and soil productivity, and water erosion interaction. A soil transport coefficient (k) has been determined as k=-DpbB; where D is tillage depth (m), pb is soil bulk density (kg m**-3) and B is slope gradient. This k-value effectively describes soil transport as a function slope gradient for a variety of tillage operations; however, the gain or loss in soil mass at any point on the landscape is proportional to hillslope curvature. That is, soil loss from tillage will take place on convexities and upper field boundaries, while soil deposition occurs on concavities and lower field boundaries. Soil loss from tillage operations can commonly be greater than what is considered sustainable. Soil removed from upslope field boundaries or convex slope positions expose subsurface soil horizons. Exposure and subsequent dispersion of subsoil material in addition to soil accumulation at lower slope positions alter soil properties and introduce greater variation in soil properties over the landscape. The recognition of soil translocation by tillage and its effect on soil properties and variability presents challenges. To be effective, soil conservation strategies must include tillage erosion.