Soils that have lost part or all of their surface layer are usually harder to till and have lower productivity. To compensate for this loss, better fertilization, liming, and other management practices should be used. Increasing the organic matter content of an eroded soil often improves tillage as well as water and nutrient holding capacity.

The principal causes of soil erosion in North Carolina are:

• Insufficient vegetative or mulch cover.
• Use of cultivated crops on soils not suited to cultivation.
• Improper equipment and methods used to prepare and till the soil.

Soil erosion can be held to a minimum by:

• Producing crops to which the soil is suited.
• Adequately fertilizing and liming to promote vigorous growth of plants.
• Aligning rows to follow the contour of the land.
• Using proper tillage methods.
• Mulching.
• Planting a winter cover crop.
• Creating a water diversion, i. e. grass waterway

for more info about soil samples, soil testing improving your soil, etc, visit NC Cooperative Extension of Buncombe County