Hernandez's Daily News!
Save the Soil!
Problem
PROBLEM!
According to the drought monitor 82% of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought, up from 28% at the beginning of the year. The dust bowl intensified the wrath of the Great Depression. Suffocation occurred if one was caught outside during a dust storm-storms that could materialize out of nowhere. There was no rain for four years. Loss of soil fertility has lead to increase pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways causing declines in fish and other species. Degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water, which can worsen flooding.
Solution
Contour plowing, was a method of plowing furrows that follow the curves of the land rather than straight up and down slopes. Also forms ridges, slows the water flow and helps save precious topsoil. Conservation plowing, helps disturb the soil and it’s plant cover as little as possible. Crop rotation plants different crops each year. Different types of plants absorb different amount of nutrients from the soil.