Soil Conservation
                     SOIL CONSERVATION
WHAT IS SOIL CONSERVATION?
 Soil conservation focuses on keeping soils healthy 
through a combination of practices and techniques. 
Individuals committed to soil conservation help ensure 
that soil is fertile and productive, and protect it from 
erosion and deterioration.
Source: online.maryville.edu
THREATS TO SOIL CONSERVATION
 The primary threats to soil conservation are climate 
change and traditional farming practices, according to 
the United Nations. Traditional farming practices 
include the overuse of harmful pesticides that 
contaminate soils, slash-and-burn methods, and land 
overuse. 
Source: online.maryville.edu
CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
 The use of pesticides can contaminate the soil, as well 
as nearby vegetation and water sources, with harmful 
chemicals. In addition to contamination, chemicals 
used on crops can be toxic to important beneficial 
insects, such as bees, as well as fish and bird 
populations. 
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SLASH AND BURN
 Slash-and-burn farming is the practice of burning and 
clearing forests to make way for farmland. This 
method kills plant species and displaces wildlife from 
their natural habitats.
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LAND OVERUSE
 Overuse of land can limit soil’s ability to play its part 
in the global climate cycle. For example, overcutting 
forests and woodlands for timber and overgrazing 
pastures can far outpace the natural regrowth of 
vegetation, subjecting soil to increased exposure to 
erosion. 
Source: online.maryville.edu
SOIL CONSERVATION IS IMPORTANT FOR SUSTAINABILITY
 For those working in sustainability, an understanding 
of soil’s role can create opportunities to develop new 
solutions and promote stewardship of our 
environment.
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BENEFITS OF SOIL CONSERVATION
IMPROVES SOIL QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY
 Increased fertility improves crop yields, reduces the 
need for chemical fertilizers, and saves money.
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OPTIMIZES WATER INFILTRATION
 Better filtration increases water storage, preventing 
soil from drying out.
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PROVIDES FOOD AND SHELTER
 Soil-producing vegetation provides nourishment to all 
types of animals and offers protection from the 
elements.
Source: online.maryville.edu