HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND

Domain	Definition
Agriculture	Land that is very susceptible to erosion, including fields that have at least 1/3 or 50 acres of soils with a natural erosion potential of at least 8 times their T value. More than 140 million acres are classified as HEL. Farms cropping highly erodible land and under production flexibility contracts must be in compliance with a conservation plan that protects this cropland. (HEL). (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Photo Album: HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND

Thumbnail	Description & Credit	Thumbnail	Description & Credit
	Highly erodible land in southern Iowa is used for pasture. Well managed pasture is an excellent soil conservation method. Credit: Lynn Betts.		Dairy operation with Holstein cows on alfalfa pasture combines with contour stripcropping in background to protect highly erodible land in northeast Iowa. Credit: Lynn Betts.
	Terraces protect highly erodible land in northeast Iowa. Credit: Dennis Eilers.		Contour farming and conservation tillage protect highly erodible land on a farm near Norwalk in Warren County, in central Iowa. Credit: Lynn Betts.
	Contour buffer strips of grass are interspersed between rows of corn on a farm in Carroll County, Iowa to control soil erosion on highly erodible land. Credit: Lynn Betts.		Native grasses planted on highly erodible land in Clarke County, Iowa, offer wildlife habitat, improved water quality, and protection against soil erosion. Credit: Lynn Betts.
	Contour stripcropping and managed forests in northeastern Iowa save soil on highly erodible land. Credit: Tim McCabe.		Large bales of hay are being made on highly erodible land in northeast Iowa. Having the land in hayland is very good protection against erosion. Credit: Keith McCall.
	Conservation Reserve Program planting in Clearwater County provides a protective cover on highly erodible land. Credit: Glenn Shea.
Source: pictures compiled by the editor from various references; see picture credits.