Wildfires in northwestern North Dakota devastated over 110,000 acres of land in the area, prompting significant concerns about soil erosion due to the loss of vegetation. Experts from North Dakota State University Extension warn that the destruction of plant cover and protective layers has left the soil vulnerable to wind erosion, particularly in the current dry conditions. This lack of natural barriers poses a serious risk to the productivity of the landscape.
To combat these issues, NDSU recommends several strategies, including increasing soil surface cover with manure or organic residues and altering surface roughness to reduce wind speed over the soil. Maximizing snow retention during winter is also essential for protecting the soil. Specialists advise against leveling the soil post-fire, as it can worsen erosion; instead, they suggest allowing the soil to stabilize naturally until spring. Implementing these measures can help mitigate the long-term effects of wildfires on soil erosion.
Photo Credit: USDA
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