Soil conservation options in the UK

Abstract

Abstract. Soil erosion occurs with sufficient frequency and severity on arable land in the UK to warrant erosion control measures. The main justification is to decrease the off‐farm damages resulting from sedimentation and pollution. The grassing of valley floors, the creation of riparian buffer zones and the use of winter cover crops are recommended as suitable measures. These have additional benefits in terms of wildlife habitats and decrease of nitrate leaching. Financial incentives targeted at farmers in erosion‐sensitive areas are proposed as the main method of implementation.