Erosion and soil conservation
Soil erosion is a major threat to the agricultural lands of Queensland and downstream areas. The loss of topsoil through erosion reduces productivity significantly. The subsoils that remain are unlikely to support viable agriculture.
Runoff from eroding landscapes contains sediments and any nutrients, fertilisers or pesticides that were present in the soil. Downstream impacts include damage to roads and railway lines, siltation of watercourses and water storages and poorer quality water in creeks, rivers and coastal areas.
The incidence of soil erosion can be spasmodic. Studies in Queensland have shown that a few large events in each decade may be responsible for a large proportion of the total soil loss. This means farmers and the community can become complacent about soil erosion during periods when erosion is not significant.
There are three important prinicples to consider in the control of water erosion:
- use land in accordance with its capability
- protect the soil surface by some form of cover
- control runoff before it develops into an erosive force.
Regional NRM plans have identified parts of Queensland that are or may be prone to soil erosion.
For more information about erosion and soil conservation, see the Department of Natural Resources and Water web site.
Last updated 12 December 2008