| On Topic
Plant trees and prevent erosion
of profits
Healthy soils are a key component of a sustainable farming sector in the
UK. By planting trees on their land, farmers can help prevent this precious
assets being washed or blown away.
n average 2.2m tonnes of
topsoil are eroded annually in
the UK, which costs an
estimated £200million a year
to the industry as a result of
having to repeat practices.
Trees can be a part of the solution.
Developing long-term soil management
plans – that incorporate tree planting – can
improve the viability and productivity of
farming systems.
Washed or blown away
Soil type, slope and farming practice can
all increase the risk of soil erosion, but climate
change and an increase in frequency of
severe weather events is magnifying the
impact of erosion.
O
The Woodland Trust is a registered Charity
Nos 294344 and SC038885
14 | Farming Monthly | June 2017
Wetter winters and more extreme rainfall
have seen an increase in soil erosion, as a
result of water run-off. On exposed, bare
slopes farmers have had to watch as their soil
is washed off their farm into ditches, onto
roads and into neighbouring properties,
removing valuable nutrient-rich top soil and
organic matter.
On more vulnerable soils, especially peat
and sandy soils, strong winds result in topsoil,
seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals being
blown off the farm, causing damage to
ditches and water courses.
The loss of soil and seeds sown by the
farmer is not only a cost to the farm business
but also to society. Soil erosion reduces long-
term fertility of the soil and its ability to
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