Part 1
Intensive farming has a noticeable effect on the condition of the soil and significantly increases the risk of erosion.
Farmers preparing for a short spring planting season typically cultivate the land in the fall, leaving the soil unprotected from snowmelt in early spring. Even after planting potatoes, the surface of the field remains without protective vegetation for several weeks until the vegetative mass covers the ridges. Heavy rains, alternating with dry spells at this time, exacerbate the problem of erosion.
Heavy rainfall is one of the significant factors accelerating the development of water erosion of soil. Moreover, the greatest danger is represented by rains with a large droplet size and high intensity.
Low-intensity precipitation is more typical for central Russia. The impact of such rains can be called predominantly point-like, since most of the soil particles move only over short distances (no more than a few millimeters). Although a certain proportion of the soil can be carried over by the spray of rain, it is usually redistributed over the surface of the earth. In this case, there may be a slight movement of the soil down the slopes of the relief.
The above is considered in many sources in more detail, but now we will dwell on only one problematic aspect - the causes, consequences and ways of preventing the formation of runoffs - taking into account the features of the relief and soil composition.
Field relief and minimization of runoff on slopes
Runoff appears in cases when the surface of the plantings is completely saturated with rain (irrigation) water or the absorption is prevented by the formed crust, and the excess flows down the slopes. That is, when the intensity of precipitation exceeds the rate of soil infiltration. Surface erosion begins between the planting ridges and turns into a general one, without a clearly defined channel, and similar phenomena can be observed on all slopes. As a consequence, erosion can affect large areas and displace large volumes of soil.
In moving water, sand, clay and organic matter are separated from each other: heavier sand settles out of the aqueous solution of the soil earlier than lighter clay and organic matter. When sludge particles settle, they fill the pores on the soil surface and form a crust, reducing the soil's ability to absorb water. Light particles of clay and organic matter are carried away further, often they leave the field and enter the surface water.
Loss of clay and organic matter reduces the soil's ability to provide nutrients to plants. Even small changes in the percentage of sand, clay and organic matter can affect the productivity of the land. The settling of sand on the field can absorb more productive soils and reduce crop yields.
Pivot irrigation machines causes the formation of soil erosion is relatively rare. Soil loss mainly occurs when water is entering the fields faster than the soil can absorb it. But properly designed installations, equipped with well-chosen sprinklers, gearboxes, etc., operate in the optimal mode for the crop and deliver water at a soil infiltration rate or lower.
Although in some cases (for example, when fields with sprinkler machines installed on them have even slight slopes, or a crust forms on the soil), it is necessary to carry out agrotechnical measures that contribute to a more even distribution of moisture and prevent the occurrence of erosion.
Compared to other crops, growing potatoes requires an increased level of soil erosion protection. The most serious risks arise during heavy rains on slopes, especially when potatoes have not yet reached the growth phase of fully topped ridges. Heavy rains can cause water to accumulate between the ridges, which, after a short time, causes soil displacement even on small slopes. As a result, potato tubers are partially exposed to light and, as a result, turn green.
In difficult situations, when whole ridges are washed off, the further growth of potatoes in these areas is completely disrupted. During the growing season, this leads to difficult weed control and reduced yields.
One of the options for erosion protection is the use of a dam system
The patented TerraProtect system consists of a cultivation stand with built-in stone protection and a small dumping device that works between the ridges. The system can be used in combination with potato planters as well as cultivators. In the process of work, the earth is loosened (including the crust is destroyed) and thereby the ability of the soil to absorb water is increased. The dam system contributes to a more even distribution of moisture on the slopes.
The so-called "dyking share", adapted to the contour of the ridges, forms traverse dams that serve to accumulate water, as well as prevent further movement of soil particles along slopes. Various setting options are available to perfectly adapt to specific soil conditions. Dams protect fertile soil and provide more uniform infiltration at peaks of excess moisture for crops.
The TerraProtect system is available in two versions. In the basic setting, the mode is set directly via the tractor's double-acting hydraulic control unit. The desired distance between the dams is simply set by an adjustable valve on the machine. Spraying lanes can be created by manually deactivating certain rows.
TerraProtect Pro connects to an intelligent control system for comfortable operation from the tractor cab. Maximum protection against soil erosion is achieved by evenly positioning dams, so an equal amount of water is distributed on slopes. This was made possible by an automatic control system that adapts the frequency of the dams to varying travel speeds and field topography for each block. The integrated sprayer drive-off switch complements the selection of operating modes.