This publication describes some important environmental concerns and offers management alternatives. Sediment Exposed soil is susceptible to erosion by wind and rain. Activities such as tillage, crop harvest, construction or any other earth-moving activity, can leave soil exposed. In flat open fields, wind erosion can be a major problem affecting the quality of both air and water. Rainfall causes soil water erosion and, unlike wind erosion, soil water erosion generally occurs on hilly or sloping land.
Sediment is the number one water pollutant from nonpoint sources in Indiana.
Sediment causes water to become cloudy, creating an unsuitable environment for many aquatic species, including game fish and even plants. Sediment slowly fills the bottoms of lakes, streams or rivers, reducing their water holding capacity. Sometimes expensive dredging is required to keep boating and shipping channels open and deep enough to hold flood waters. Municipalities that rely on surface water for their drinking water supply must use specialized treatment systems to filter out sediment. Keeping soil on the field and out of surface waters should be a top priority for Indiana farmers.