Soil is the foundation of our environment, playing a critical role in sustaining life and supporting our agricultural heritage. It's not just dirt; it's a dynamic ecosystem that filters water, supports plant growth, and houses countless organisms. In the County of Grande Prairie, healthy soil means vibrant crops, clean waterways, and resilient landscapes.

Soil Conservation Act

Concerns about Soil Conservation increased during the early 1930s – also known as the “dirty thirties” – as a result of severe wind erosion events. In 1935, “The Control of Soil Drifting Act” was passed in Alberta which made the “occupier” of land responsible for soil drifting.

In 1962, that act was replaced by the Soil Conservation Act which is still used today to help prevent soil loss or deterioration from taking place or continuing.

The main areas of concern under the Soil Conservation Act are wind and water erosion. In our County, water erosion is of particular concern, especially in high-flow years.

 Landowner Responsibilities
The role of the landowner and/or occupant is to protect the productivity of land through the prevention or minimization of soil erosion. As a landowner and/or occupant, you have the following powers and responsibilities under the Soil Conservation Act: 
  • Power to appeal a notice. 
  • Right to refuse entry to buildings or structures at an unreasonable hour. 
  • Responsibility to prevent or minimize soil loss or deterioration from soil erosion. 
  • Responsibility to comply with notices given. 
  • Responsibility to pay for expenses incurred for carrying out remedial measures. 
  • Responsibility to allow inspectors to carry out their duties. 
  • Responsibility to hold valid permits and comply with the terms and conditions under which a permit is issued.
County Responsibilities 
The municipality has been empowered by the Minister to administer the Soil Conservation Act. The municipality has the following powers and responsibilities under the Soil Conservation Act: 
  • Power and responsibility to appoint at least one soil conservation officer for the municipality.
  • Power to pass bylaws dealing with burning of stubble and removal of topsoil. 
  • Power to develop permits that prescribe the terms and conditions required for stubble burning and topsoil removal. 
  • Responsibility to make provision to hear appeals by aggrieved landowners.

More Information about Soil Conservation:

 Understanding Soil Erosion

Though soil erosion is a natural process, it is intensified by farming practices that leave the soil surface exposed and susceptible to the forces of wind or water. 

Erosion displaces topsoil, decreases the amount of soil organic matter and available nutrients for crops, and contributes to the degradation of soil structure.

Water Erosion

Snowmelt and rainfall are the driving forces for water erosion on the prairies, and bare soils are especially vulnerable to erosion. Silty soils, soils low in organic matter, and soils with an impermeable subsoil layer are also more susceptible to water erosion.

Some methods you can implement to help reduce soil water erosion include:

  • Maintaining organic matter
  • Maintaining crop residue cover
  • Reducing tillage or using zero tillage practices
  • Implementing crop rotations

Learn more about water erosion control here.

Wind Erosion

Wind erosion moves topsoil, reduces soil organic matter and available crop nutrients, and contributes to the breakdown of soil structure. Wind erosion is especially problematic where large areas of open field are unprotected from wind.

Some methods you can implement to help reduce soil wind erosion include:

  • Maintaining a vegetative cover
  • Reducing tillage or using zero tillage practices
  • Avoiding overgrazing
  • Planting shelterbelts

Learn more about wind erosion control here.
 Soil Health Webinar Series

The Agriculture Department has a playlist of Agriculture Webinars on YouTube, which includes the following webinars about soil health:
 Assessing Your Soils

The Soil Information Viewer can assist land managers and producers in making general land management decisions by allowing them to find soil information from the Agricultural Region of Alberta Soil Inventory Database (AGRASID). AGRASID describes the distribution of soil types for the agricultural land base of Alberta.

Access the Soil Information Viewer here.
 Shelterbelts

Shelterbelts are an effective way to help stabilize soil and promote overall soil health. The County of Grande Prairie recently started a Shelterbelt Program where you can purchase seedlings at a cost-recovery basis.

Learn more about the Shelterbelt Program and purchase your seedlings here.
Soil Erosion Indicator 
 Learn about soil erosion in Canada with the Soil Erosion Indicator.
Soil Best Management Practices (BMPs) 

 View our one-pagers about soil health Best Management Practices (BMPs):

 Off-Site Watering
 
 Bioengineering
 
Livestock Crossings
Riparian Fencing