Researchers Utilize Drones to Study Soil Erosion

A drone is flying overhead, collecting data on soil erosion in a potato field located in Worcestershire. On the ground, the erosion is quite evident, characterized by a substantial crack that extends from the top to the bottom of the field, deep enough in certain sections to completely engulf a boot. This erosion is a consequence of heavy rainfall and, according to farmer Alan Moule, it is a worsening issue. He attributes the problem to “the amount of rainfall we’re getting”. As the climate undergoes changes, more intense downpours contribute to increased damage to the underlying soil, posing a difficult challenge for farmers in determining how to address it. Mr. Moule has already converted several fields from potato production, instead seeding them with grass for pasture. The root systems of this grass are expected to anchor the soil, preventing it from being washed away. However, making the decision to remove farmland from production in this manner is a challenging one. Nonetheless, new investigations conducted by the University of Worcester could potentially assist farmers in identifying appropriate solutions. Josie Lynch, a researcher from the university, has been employing a drone to capture photographs of the fields and the erosion. She has also collected soil samples and elaborated: “We can then work out what nutrients are being lost and then put a financial cost on it”. This process transforms what might otherwise be a difficult emotional decision into a financially quantifiable one. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Natural England and its Catchment Sensitive Farming project. During a walk across Mr. Moule’s fields, James Griffiths from Natural England explained that crops such as potatoes were considered “high risk” in terms of erosion susceptibility. However, the ability to assign a monetary value to the lost soil—a cost that recurs with every rainfall—enables individuals like Mr. Griffiths to present a compelling argument to farmers for exploring alternative approaches. As Mr. Griffiths states, this aims “To save some money and also have a knock on effect on the environment.” This is because the greater the amount of soil retained in the fields, the less will ultimately enter our rivers and water courses, where it is frequently regarded as a form of pollution. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.