Erosion

Where does this occur?

• Any sloping surface where the soil is exposed.
• Sheet erosion will often remain relatively unseen.
• Gully erosion is usually very active and visible but can also start as tunnels under the surface.

• Exclude stock from erosion prone areas.
• Use cut-offs on races to direct water into paddocks.
• Avoid overgrazing.
• Select cropping paddocks carefully, limiting cropping on steep slopes and critical source areas.
• Plant erosion control species.
• Maintain good pasture cover over winter.

Where does this occur?

• Usually on steep land.
• Can also occur in moderate to gently sloping areas.

• Plant erosion control trees such as hybrid willow species or poplars.
• Use lighter stock classes or lower stocking rates to reduce pressure on steep land.
• In severe cases, retire land from grazing and change land use to plantation forestry or native forest.
• Surface water controls may be required to divert water from critical areas. Call your regional council for more information.

Where does this occur?

• Streambanks, particularly:
• in flood plains.
• on the outside of bends.
• in areas prone to high flows or floods.

For actions to avoid or minimise erosion visit the Waterways Erosion section

Where does this occur?

• All land where there is exposed soil and dry windy conditions.
• Particularly problematic with loess soil on the Canterbury plains.

• Place shelter belts at right angles to prevailing winds. Aim to block about 50% of the wind to prevent wind eddying or funnelling on the downward side of the shelter.
• Use minimum or no tillage cultivation practices to retain topsoil.
• Avoid cultivating crops during dry weather or strong winds to minimise soil loss.
• Do not over cultivate soils. This will leave them more vulnerable to wind erosion.