Water is life – for your crops, your animals, and your land. Holding onto more water and soil helps you fight drought, prevent erosion, and increase yields naturally. These low-cost techniques protect your farm during extreme weather.
WHAT IS SMALL WATER & SOIL RETENTION?
Water retention means keeping rainwater in your fields and soil for longer.
Soil retention means stopping valuable topsoil from washing or blowing away.
You don’t need big projects. Simple changes can make a big difference!
HOW TO START – PRACTICAL ACTIONS
- Swales & mini-ditches: Shallow, grass-lined channels along slopes to slow runoff.
- Small retention ponds or dykes: Collect excess rainwater in low areas.
- Leave grass buffers around fields and streams.
- Cover crops after harvest keep soil in place and improve moisture.
- Mulching: Straw or organic matter on the soil surface keeps moisture and prevents erosion.
- Add green compost or composted manure to your fields to improve soil structure and water-holding.
- Reduce tillage – less plowing keeps the soil sponge-like and full of life.
- Plant hedgerows or midfield strips – roots hold the soil, and shade slows evaporation.
- Use deep-rooted plants to break compacted soil and let water soak deeper.
- Don’t leave soil bare. Always cover it with plants or mulch.
- Check after storms. Look for erosion spots or pooling.
- Start small, observe, and expand.
Check with local agricultural advisors for:
- Soil tests
- Grants for small water projects
- Advice on native cover crops and plants
