Erosion Risk Reduction with Year-Round Soil Cover

2024–2025 (implementation + first evaluation)

We mapped the highest-risk windows and redesigned cover cropping and tillage to keep soil protected year-round — fewer emergencies, and topsoil that stays where it belongs.

THE CHALLENGE

On erosion-prone fields, a few heavy rain events can undo years of soil-building by removing topsoil and nutrients. The farm needed a practical plan that reduces erosion risk while keeping operations feasible.

WHAT WE DID

We identified the highest-risk windows (bare soil periods, vulnerable crops, traffic patterns) and redesigned the sequence to keep soil covered for as much of the year as possible. We proposed cover crops tailored to local constraints (moisture, sowing window, machinery) and adjusted tillage intensity and timing to protect soil structure. Where relevant, we recommended operational tweaks (passes, direction, timing) to reduce runoff and soil movement. The result was a clear, field-specific plan that farmers can follow without adding complexity.

OUTCOMES & IMPACT

The farm reduced exposure to the most dangerous erosion windows and gained a repeatable approach for planning cover and soil protection each season. This improves both water handling and long-term productivity by protecting topsoil.