Expert tips to combat post-wildfire soil erosion
After wildfires ravaged over 110,000 acres in northwestern North Dakota, North Dakota State University Extension specialists are addressing the urgent issue of soil erosion. Of course, the advice is relevant to anyone in agriculture who has been impacted by recent wildfires, not just those n North Dakota.
The fires have left the landscape vulnerable, significantly increasing the risk of wind erosion and land degradation.
Wildfires destroy vegetation that anchors soil and shields it from wind, dramatically heightening erosion risks.
Soil is exposed and more prone to being carried away by wind. This problem is compounded by the region's current dry and windy conditions, which can further disturb the loosened soil.
The most effective immediate response to prevent further soil damage is to enhance surface cover.
This can be achieved by applying manure or other residues, which help to shield the soil. Additionally, increasing the surface's roughness can reduce wind velocity, helping to keep the soil in place.
Retaining snow over the winter can also be crucial, as it provides a natural cover that protects the soil from wind erosion.
NDSU experts caution against disturbing the newly accumulated soil until spring. Any attempts to level the soil during the fall are likely to increase the risk of erosion rather than mitigate it.
Leaving the soil undisturbed allows it to naturally stabilize, decreasing the likelihood of further degradation.
As communities recover from these devastating wildfires, following expert guidance will be essential for restoring the productivity of the land and preventing future erosion.