Earth Gauge » Erosion

Earth Science Week 2011

espinoza — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:17:05 +0000

October 9-15 is Earth Science Week (www.earthsciweek.org). Every year, Earth Science Week encourages students and the public to explore the natural world around them and learn about the geosciences. This year’s theme is Our Ever-Changing Earth. Humans depend on the Earth for many resources – air, water, food, fuel, trees, metals – but we often forget about one of the most important natural resources: soil! Just like water and air, soil is an important and limited resource. Consider this:

75 percent of the Earth is covered in water – oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.
25 percent is dry land area, but half of that is desert, swamp, polar and mountainous regions where conditions are too hot, too cold or too high in elevation to be productive.
Of the remaining area (about 12 percent), nine percent is too flood-prone, too poor-quality or too hot for food production. The remaining three percent represents the area of Earth developed by humans. Just a small fraction of this area is made up of soil that we depend on for food and other uses.

Viewer Tip: Scientists estimate that we are losing soils 10 to 40 times faster than they can be replaced – 60 percent of soils are washed into our rivers, streams and lakes where they can decrease channel depth, increase potential for flooding and smother aquatic wildlife habitat. You can help control erosion at home by using mulch to cover garden beds and other areas of exposed soil. Planting ground-cover plants or small shrubs will also help stabilize soil.

(Sources: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, in cooperation with Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and Oklahoma Department of Education. “Ag in the Classroom: How Much Soil is there?” https://www.soils.org/files/about-soils/earth-science-week-2007.pdf; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil.” http://forces.si.edu/soils/index.html; EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. “Watershed Tips.” epa.gov/owow)

Rain Gardens – Miniature Marshes

espinoza — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:38:03 +0000

Marshes, and particularly salt marshes, are renowned as “filters.” Streams and rivers flowing into marshes often carry large loads of sediment and silt which are trapped by marshes and used to build up and replace existing marsh soils that otherwise would be carried out into bays and estuaries. Marshes and other coastal wetlands also capture and sequester heavy metals, fertilizers in the form of nitrogen and phosphates, and other pollutants that would otherwise make their way into sensitive estuarine ecosystems.

Viewer Tip: Rain gardens function like miniature marshes. They prevent untreated storm water from washing off yards and other properties into storm drains, where it makes its way into fragile bays and watersheds. The principles are simple:

Choose a low-lying area on your property where water from drains and other areas can be directed or pools naturally.
If the soil there is relatively impermeable and holds water for long periods, excavate six to eight inches down and lay in loose soils, sand, and gravel to allow water to percolate naturally and gradually into the existing soil and water table.
Cover with mulch or wood chips to hold moisture and prevent erosion, and use native (area/region appropriate) plants to decorate.

Want to know more? Check out your area’s native plant society or go on-line. Fall is a good time to build a rain garden!

This tip is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Algae Impacts

espinoza — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:57:44 +0000

Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of healthy aquatic habitats. These nutrients support the growth of underwater plants that provide oxygen and habitat for fish and other animals. They also support algae growth, which is a source of food for many fish and shellfish. Aquatic habitats can become unbalanced, however, when too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the waters. Algae can grow out of control, reducing oxygen levels in the water and blocking sunlight that underwater plants need to grow. Too much algae in a water body can produce bad smells, clog drinking water filters and cause drinking water taste and order problems.

There are many sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, including agricultural livestock waste and fertilizer; fertilizers and pet waste from home yards and gardens; and detergents and soaps. Rain water can pick up these substances and carry them into storm drains and local water bodies. Sometimes, nitrogen and phosphorus can impact waters far from where the nutrients originate.

Viewer Tip: Reducing nutrient pollution at home will help protect waters nearby and downstream.

Apply fertilizer and other yard care chemicals only when necessary. Wait for dry weather to apply.
Pick up pet waste at home and on walks. Avoid walking pets near streams and other waterways.
Use a commercial car wash that filters and recycles water. Or, wash your car on a grassy or gravel-covered area where water can soak into the ground. Use soap sparingly.

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Nutrients: The Problem,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/problem.cfm and “Nutrients: Take Action,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/action.cfm

Living Shorelines

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:37:03 +0000

More than 85 percent of the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline is privately owned. And most of that is lined with hardened bulkheads or riprap designed to protect waterfront property from erosion and sea level rise. These “hardened shorelines” take away from some of the Bay’s most productive acreage: the coastal marsh and intertidal areas that serve as refuges and spawning grounds for many species of fish, shellfish, and invertebrates that are important to the Bay ecology, commercial fisheries and recreational users of the Chesapeake. A better solution is to consider a living shoreline, a technique using native plants, grasses, shrubs and trees planted along the tidal water line. Living shorelines improve water quality; provide shoreline access to wildlife like nesting turtles, horseshoe crabs and shorebirds; and provide shallow water habitat and a diversity of plant species for aquatic and terrestrial animals. All in all, a win-win solution for property owners and wildlife!

Viewer Tip: Own waterfront property, either on the Bay or along the tidal creeks feeding into the Chesapeake? Both Maryland and Virginia offer financial assistance for shoreline projects. Maryland has a wide range of loan, grant and cost-share programs available to homeowners, communities, local governments and non-profit organizations. Virginia has grants available for private individuals through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Living Shoreline Initiative.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn more at http://www.cbf.org/.

Decrease Runoff into the Bay

espinoza — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:41:55 +0000

One of the biggest sources of pollution in Chesapeake Bay is “non-point source” pollution and erosion. That’s runoff from homes, lawns, gardens, streets and other paved surfaces when it rains. Urban and suburban runoff is on the rise, but many homeowners don’t see the connection between their yards and gardens and Bay pollution. Fertilizers may make suburban lawns green and produce bumper garden crops and flowers, but they also feed algal growth in the Bay, robbing it of vital oxygen.

Viewer Tip: Plant native trees, shrubs and perennials to help filter stormwater and prevent pollutant runoff. One particularly good way of reducing stormwater runoff, both at home and at business sites, is a rain garden. By planting native plants with deep roots in shallow excavations, you can funnel and filter stormwater that might otherwise end up in the Bay.

This information is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.plantmoreplants.com and www.cbf.org.

Barrier Islands

espinoza — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:31:36 +0000

If you’ve been to the beach, chances are good you’ve been on a barrier island. Barrier islands are among the United States’ most important coastal features. Running more than 3,500 miles along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, these islands are invaluable buffers, protecting vulnerable shores and inland areas from violent storms and waves. They also protect ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and commercially valuable fish and shellfish. But they are in danger, threatened by building, pollution, invasive species and erosion.

Viewer Tip: You can volunteer to help restore your local bay or estuary by planting sea and marsh grasses. Marsh grasses help coastal wetlands form and hold soil and sediment—essential ingredients in preventing erosion of wetlands that protect our coastlines. For more information, contact Restore America’s Estuaries at www.estuaries.org.

This tip is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

(Source: NOAA-Restoration Center: www.habitat.noaa.gov/restoration/)

Reducing Runoff

espinoza — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:52:04 +0000

When it rains, water flowing over land picks up dirt, oil and grease, fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants. In some areas, this water flows into storm drains that eventually discharge into our lakes and streams. In other areas, it flows directly into surface waters. Either way, polluted rain water can impact water quality and wildlife in our streams and lakes.

Viewer Tip: Slow the flow! Planting trees, shrubs and other vegetation on your property, along stream banks and around lakeshores helps to slow the flow of rain water into storm drains and surface waters. The roots of trees and shrubs absorb rain water runoff.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/hiri/resources/pdf/TreesandVegCompendium.pdf)

Falling Trees

espinoza — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:54:03 +0000

Are you tempted to clean up fallen trees and branches on your lakeshore property after a storm? Believe it or not, these fallen items are actually important components of lake habitats! Above the water, fallen trees and branches provide a place for ducks and turtles to soak up the sun; they may also be used as perches by water birds and song birds. Under the water, water insects eat algae that grows on the wood and fish can find shelter and hiding places around fallen trees and branches.

Viewer Tip: While it’s important to clean up fallen trees and branches that may be dangerous – such as those that may impact boater navigation or swimming areas – remember that it’s ok to leave fallen trees and branches in the water for wildlife to use. Leaving a fallen branch or tree in the water not only provides habitat – it will also provide fun wildlife viewing opportunities for you!

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)

Shoreline Smarts

espinoza — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:37:49 +0000

Shoreline habitats around lakes – both on land and in shallow water – provide important habitat for fish and wildlife. Healthy plants along shorelines also protect water quality by absorbing and filtering pollutants carried from land by wind and rain.

Viewer Tip: When lake shorelines become too developed, they may no longer be able to support the plants, fish and wildlife that make our lakes so appealing! If you own property along a lake shoreline, consider leaving part of your landscape “wild.” For example, if you have 100 feet of shoreline, let 75 feet stay in its natural condition and use 25 feet for a dock or swimming area. The same goes for your home lawn – leave about 30 feet of natural vegetation between the beach and your lawn to create a buffer zone between your home and the lakeshore habitat.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)

Helping the Gulf (Texas)

espinoza — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:47:38 +0000

Did you know that you can help the Gulf of Mexico without traveling beyond your driveway? Our region is part of the Texas Gulf Coast watershed, an area of land that drains rain water and river water into the Gulf of Mexico. When it storms here, rainwater carries pollutants like fertilizer from farms and lawns, motor oil from driveways and litter from streets into our local waterways, which lead to the Gulf.

Viewer Tip: With millions of gallons of crude oil and chemical dispersants already in Gulf waters, marine life and biodiversity are more vulnerable than ever to other pollutants. No matter where you live in along the Texas Coast, you can help protect water quality in the Gulf with these tips:

Participate in a wetland, river or beach cleanup in your area. Check with your local watershed group or organize your own!
Never dump oil or other household chemicals in the street or in a storm drain. If you change your own motor oil, make sure to collect it in a clean can with a lid and take it to a service station or household hazardous waste collection site for recycling.
Use as little fertilizer and pesticide as possible. Most farmers and gardeners can use less fertilizer and still obtain the same amount of crop yield.
Prevent erosion by mulching and seeding areas where bare soil can be washed away in your yard. Adding mulch or vegetation to bare areas allows water to soak slowly into the ground, rather than running off quickly.
Instead of sweeping yard waste into the street or storm drain, use it for composting or mulching in your own backyard. You’ll protect your soil, prevent erosion, control weeds…and protect water quality.

( Sources: GulfBase. General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php; Frankenberger, Jane and Ron Turco. Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico: A Reason to Improve Nitrogen. Purdue Animal Issues Briefing AI-6; U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html; Dybas, Cheryl l., Dead Zones Spreading in World Oceans, Bioscience 552-557; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow;
Gulf Base: General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php;
US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. Www.epa.gov/owow)

Helping the Gulf

espinoza — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:08:23 +0000

Did you know that you can help the Gulf of Mexico without traveling beyond your driveway? Our region is part of the Mississippi River watershed, an area of land that drains rain water and river water into the Gulf of Mexico. When it storms here, rainwater carries pollutants like fertilizer from farms and lawns, motor oil from driveways and litter from streets into our local waterways, which lead to the Mississippi River. Each summer, excess nitrogen from this polluted runoff causes a low-oxygen area – also known as a ‘dead zone’ – in the Gulf of Mexico that impacts marine life.

Viewer Tip: With millions of gallons of crude oil and chemical dispersants already in Gulf waters, marine life and biodiversity are more vulnerable than ever to other pollutants. No matter where you live in the Mississippi River watershed, you can help protect water quality in the Gulf with these tips:

Participate in a wetland, river or beach cleanup in your area. Check with your local watershed group or organize your own!
Never dump oil or other household chemicals in the street or in a storm drain. If you change your own motor oil, make sure to collect it in a clean can with a lid and take it to a service station or household hazardous waste collection site for recycling.
Use as little fertilizer and pesticide as possible. Most farmers and gardeners can use less fertilizer and still obtain the same amount of crop yield.
Prevent erosion by mulching and seeding areas where bare soil can be washed away in your yard. Adding mulch or vegetation to bare areas allows water to soak slowly into the ground, rather than running off quickly.
Instead of sweeping yard waste into the street or storm drain, use it for composting or mulching in your own backyard. You’ll protect your soil, prevent erosion, control weeds…and protect water quality.

Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mississippi River Basin map to find your location in the watershed: www.epa.gov/msbasin/marb.htm.

( Sources: GulfBase. General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php; National Park Service: A Profile of the Mississippi River. http://www.nps.gov/miss/naturescience/profmiss.htm; Frankenberger, Jane and Ron Turco. Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico: A Reason to Improve Nitrogen. Purdue Animal Issues Briefing AI-6; U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html; Dybas, Cheryl l., Dead Zones Spreading in World Oceans, Bioscience 552-557; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow;
Gulf Base: General Facts about the Gulf of Mexico. http://www.gulfbase.org/facts.php;
US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. Www.epa.gov/owow)

California Golden Trout

espinoza — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:21:18 +0000

Elusive and beautiful, California golden trout, sometimes known as “fish from heaven,” are found in rivers and streams in the Sierra Nevada high country. Overgrazing by sheep and cattle has degraded some of the golden trout’s habitat; poor water quality and competition from other fish can also harm golden trout. For many years, Trout Unlimited volunteers in California have been restoring golden trout habitat by repairing stream-side fencing and removing non-native trout that threaten the survival of golden trout.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you live, you can prevent polluted storm water from running off your property and flowing into local rivers and streams. Try these tips:

Pick up after your pet, whether in your yard, on the sidewalk or in a park. It’s a dirty job, but pet waste can contribute excess nutrients and bacteria to local rivers and streams.
Fix car leaks so engine fluids like oil and antifreeze don’t drip onto the ground.
Wash your car on grass or gravel, rather than on pavement. The grass or gravel will absorb and filter soapy, grimy water.
Plant a buffer or “fence” of trees and shrubs around your home that will absorb water before it runs off your property.

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.

Riparian Areas

espinoza — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:49:22 +0000

Did you know in the arid West, an estimated 90 percent of desert wildlife relies on riparian areas for at least some part of their life cycles? Riparian areas are ecosystems that exist near a body of water and form vital linkages between streams and the surrounding uplands. Habitats in the Southwest face many of the threats that other U.S. regions do, including fragmentation, invasion of exotic species, overgrazing, recreational impacts and others. However, habitats in the West which face threats from scarce water resources are especially stressed. Many species of endangered and threatened fish are found in these areas.

Viewer Tip: To help protect and restore riparian areas, Trout Unlimited suggests these tips:

Avoid applying pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers near streams. These products can kill streamside plants and make animals sick.
Leave natural debris such as leaves and downed branches in place along streams and rivers to provide habitat for fish and other species.
Help prevent shoreline erosion by boating at no-wake speeds near river and stream banks.

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.

Water, Water Everywhere

espinoza — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:18:44 +0000

April showers bring May flowers or so the poem states. However, a garden needs proper drainage or spring rain will sit and soak the soil, rotting plants, or the rain will run so fast down a hill that it creates deep trenches. Proper drainage also prevents run off of fertilizers and pecticides into streams and waterways. Soil needs nutrients and a gardener needs to make sure these nutrients are not washed away.

Viewer Tip: New England Wild Flower Society recommends using a rain barrel or creating a rain garden to slow and disperse the heavy flow of water from gutters and downspouts. Rain Gardens capture the water and allow it either to penetrate the earth at that location or to flow into a better drainage area.

For more details on Rain Gardens, visit http://www.newenglandwild.org/publications-and-media/articles/rain-gardens.html/.

This tip is provided by the New England Wild Flower Society. Learn more at www.newenglandwild.org.

Protecting Our Nation’s Lakes (Southern Plains)

espinoza — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:27:32 +0000

The U.S. EPA recently released the National Lakes Assessment (NLA), the first ever baseline study of the condition of U.S. lakes, ponds and reservoirs. EPA surveyed more than 1,000 water bodies for water quality indicators like dissolved oxygen, algae, toxins and pathogens, and shoreline conditions. In the Southern Plains region of the U.S., EPA found about one-third of shorelines to be in poor condition, likely from erosion and pollution. Lakes and ponds with poor shoreline conditions were three times more likely to have unhealthy plant and animal communities, too.

Viewer Tip: Low-impact development practices that are designed to reduce rain water runoff and pollution can help protect lake shorelines and water quality. Harvesting rain water with a rain barrel is one easy way to implement low-impact development at home. Rain barrels attach to home downspouts and collect rain water for later uses, like watering plants or washing windows.

To learn more about how to implement a rain barrel at your home, visit: http://www.lid-stormwater.net/raincist_specs.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: U.S. EPA. December 2009. “National Lakes Assessment.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey/)

Protecting Our Nation’s Lakes (Xeric Region)

espinoza — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:43:32 +0000

The U.S. EPA recently released the National Lakes Assessment (NLA) – the first ever baseline study of the condition of U.S. lakes, ponds and reservoirs. EPA surveyed more than 1,000 water bodies for water quality indicators like dissolved oxygen, algae, toxins and pathogens, and shoreline conditions. In the Xeric region of the U.S. – running along the California coast, throughout the Southwest and in parts of Oregon, Washington and Idaho - EPA found about half of shorelines to be in poor condition, likely from erosion and pollution. Lakes and ponds with poor shoreline conditions were three times more likely to have unhealthy plant and animal communities, too.

To learn more about how to implement a rain barrel at your home, visit: http://www.lid-stormwater.net/raincist_specs.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: U.S. EPA. December 2009. “National Lakes Assessment.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey/)

Protecting Our Nation’s Lakes (Coastal Plains)

espinoza — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:36:37 +0000

The U.S. EPA recently released the National Lakes Assessment (NLA) – the first ever baseline study of the condition of U.S. lakes, ponds and reservoirs. EPA surveyed more than 1,000 water bodies for water quality indicators like dissolved oxygen, algae, toxins and pathogens, and shoreline conditions. In the Coastal Plains region of the U.S. – running along the Gulf Coast, north along the Mississippi River to the Ohio River, and along the Atlantic seaboard from Florida to New Jersey – EPA found more than half of shorelines to be in poor condition, likely from erosion and pollution. Lakes and ponds with poor shoreline conditions were three times more likely to have unhealthy plant and animal communities, too.

To learn more about how to implement a rain barrel at your home, visit: http://www.lid-stormwater.net/raincist_specs.htm.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: U.S. EPA. December 2009. “National Lakes Assessment.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey/)

Rain Gardens

espinoza — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:06:07 +0000

Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30 percent. A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from artificial urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways and lawn areas to be absorbed. This reduces runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains and surface waters. Capturing storm water in a rain garden helps to reduce erosion, water pollution and flooding in our local creeks and streams, while also replenishing groundwater supplies. Rain gardens help fish and wildlife by protecting streams and rivers from pollutants carried by urban storm water like lawn fertilizer, pesticides and car fluids.

Viewer Tip: This is a great time of year to start planning a rain garden for your yard. Trout Unlimited suggests these tips for building rain gardens.

Place rain gardens at least ten feet from the house so water does not seep under the house’s foundation.
Typical residential rain gardens range from 100 to 300 square feet in size.
Rain gardens should be planted with native plants.

Helpful tips for building a garden: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/raingarden/Building.htm

Find plants that are native to your area: http://www.wildflower.org/explore/

This information is provided by Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.tu.org.

It’s your dirt – Why not hold onto it?

espinoza — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:05:19 +0000

Soil erosion isn’t just a cosmetic problem in your yard. According to the National Center for Appropriate Technology, soil removed by wind and rain erosion typically contains the “good stuff” – three times more nutrients and five times more organic matter than the soil left behind. Erosion is also a source of water pollution. Protecting soil from the impact of raindrops can decrease erosion and increase the amount of rainwater soaking into the soil. Mulches, groundcover plants and cover crops all protect our soils.

Viewer Tip: Try this fun and simple experiment at home to demonstrate the value of mulches and groundcover plants:

Lay a piece of white paper on a bare soil surface that slopes downhill. Pour a pint of water onto the bare soil just above the paper. You will observe some eroding soil sticking to the paper as the water passes underneath.
Now, with a fresh piece of paper, do the same thing in an area with ample groundcover. Compare the two pieces of paper to see how effective mulches and groundcover plants can be at preventing soil erosion!

At this time of year, you have ample free mulch available in your own backyard – spread fallen leaves around garden beds, bushes and trees to protect soil from erosion. This is also a great time to research native groundcover plants you may want to add in your yard. Check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Native Plants Database: www.wildflower.org/plants.

Season: Fall

This information is provided by ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Learn more about soil management: www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/soilmgmt.htm.

Covering Soil Uncovers Benefits

administrator — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:28:35 +0000

Increase the health of your fields by planting a crop and leaving it for an entire season. The benefits of cover crops have been publicized for years. Although they are grown primarily to prevent soil erosion, cover crops can also contribute to nitrogen production, increase soil microbial activity, reduce insect pests and suppress weeds.

Viewer Tip: Plant a winter cover crop in late summer or fall to provide soil cover during the winter. Legumes are often planted for the additional benefit of nitrogen fixation. The climate of your area should be taken into consideration when deciding which cover crop is best for you. You could also plant a catch crop after harvest to reduce nutrient leaching from the soil.

This information is provided by ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Learn more in “Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures.”

Season: Fall