May 14, 2007:
The soil on your farm influences the type of farming you can do, the inputs you need and the results you get. Sands and loamy soils have large pore spaces between the soil particles which allow water to quickly percolate through them, carrying other substances to groundwater. Soils with smaller pore spaces, such as clays and silts, slow the movement of water and any substances it carries, acting as a natural filter.
Meanwhile, sandy-textured soils are prone to wind erosion, especially in areas where windbreaks or sufficient plant residue for protection are absent. Fine-textured soils are vulnerable to water erosion, especially on sloping land and bare soils.
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Article development courtesy of The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company