Organic Matter & Soil Erosion

Conserving or increasing carbon content in soils can be a win:win situation for crop health and climate change mitigation.

Soil organic matter is good for soil quality as it increases soil stability, drainage, fertility and encourages biodiversity.  Loss of soil organic matter can occur with continued cultivation when stubbles are not ploughed back into the soil or when organic manures are not returned.

Cover crops can increase soil organic matter, protect soils from erosion, improve soil structure and potentially reduce fertiliser costs.  Cover crops are sown between crops, especially if the soil would be left bare over the winter, to prevent surface erosion and help to retain organic material and nutrients in the soil.