Protecting Soil From Erosion 289
Protecting Soil from Erosion
When soil is not protected, wind and water can
erode or damage the thin layer of soil on top (topsoil)
and also cause the soil to lose water. The soil that
remains is often compacted, lacks nutrients, and
is not good for growing crops. Preventing erosion
and conserving soil and water are some of the
farmer’s most important jobs. (To learn more about
preventing erosion, see Chapter 11.)
What rain does to bare soil
When rain hits bare soil,
it washes it away.
Purpose: To show the importance of keeping soil
covered so it does not wash away
Time: 15 minutes
Materials: 2 pieces of clean paper or cloth,
a watering can, or an old can with small holes in
the bottom that makes water sprinkle like rain
➊ Have the group meet on a piece of ground with
no plants or weeds growing on it, just bare soil.
➋ Place a piece of clean paper or cloth on the ground. Pour water from the
sprinkler to make rain on the ground beside the paper or cloth.
➌ See how many muddy spots were made on the paper or cloth when the water
splashed on the ground. This is what happens when rain hits bare ground. The bare
soil cannot hold the rain, and it washes away.
➍ With a new piece of clean paper or cloth, repeat the activity in a place where the
ground is covered by grass, weeds, or mulch. The second paper or cloth should
have fewer muddy spots on it than the first one because the plants hold the water
and help it sink into the ground.
➎ Lead a group discussion of what happened and the importance of keeping the
soil covered.
You may want to follow this activity with a farm experiment to show how
mulch protects soil. Make a small demonstration plot and cover it with mulch
after planting. Plant another plot with the same crop, but no mulch. At the end
of the growing season, compare the results.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012