It’s been a challenging cropping season so far for farmers on heavy soils in parts of the Grand River watershed.
Abnormally heavy and intense rainfall events in June caused large amounts of soil to erode, damaging crops and washing away nutrients. It’s a problem for farmers in terms of lost soil productivity, and it impacts water quality for downstream water users, as well as all forms of aquatic life.
“There’s help available to address farm soil erosion issues,” says Anne Loeffler, conservation specialist with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). “We have financial and technical assistance available to get soil erosion control structures designed and built this fall.”
Eligible projects include grassed waterways as well as controlled tile inlets in water and sediment control basins. Farmers in Brant, Waterloo and Wellington Counties can also apply to the Rural Water Quality Program for financial incentives to support the establishment of cover crops over winter.
“Soil health is key to improving the resilience of the soil to extreme weather events, and fortunately, there are some tried and true solutions to soil erosion issues to be seen in the Grand River watershed,” explains Loeffler.
Reduced tillage plays a role in increasing soil organic matter content. As soil organic matter increases, the ability of the soil to retain moisture and nutrients improves, and the soil is more likely to withstand sudden heavy rains. Cover crops are also another method of protecting soil from rainfall over winter and in early spring, and add organic matter. Grassed waterways also help to protect the soil, as they are designed to convey farm field runoff to a stable outlet.
For more information on assistance for eligible projects, visit the GRCA website and look for Water Resources/Rural Water Quality Program/GRCA Grants (http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=25&Sub1=109).
Those interested may also contact the GRCA at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or 519-621-2761.
