Iowa Topsoil EarthCache
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This earthcache is located in the East bound rest area of I80. The coordinates will take you to a display about soil erosion.
"To see rich land eaten away by erosion, to stand by as
continual cultivation on sloping fields wears away the
best soil, is enough to make good farmer sick at heart.
My grandfather, watching this process, used to speak
of the voiceless land. In our time we have seen the
process reach an acute stage, and we have at last begun
to take to heart the meaning of soil exploitation."
Erosion is the displacements of solids (in this case topsoil), through natural causes. The most common causes being water or wind movements. Erosion is a naturally occurring process, but can be (and is) increased by human activity.
Losing too much topsoil can result in soil degradation . Since our food supply relies on crops, which in turn rely in part on topsoil, limiting the amount of erosion caused by human activity is priority for farmers and everyone. Some more common methods of erosion control for farmland include terraces, conservation tillage (or no-till farming), and conservation buffers (permanent vegetation borders or buffers at edge of fields).
Enjoy the display and email the answers to the following questions:
1. What was the average depth of topsoil in 1850, 1900, 1950, 1975, and 2000?
2. What are the four layers of soil under the topsoil?
3. Who gave the quote used above?
4. As you observe the field around you (and along I80 near the rest area), what soil erosion control methods do you see being used?
5. (optional - recommended) Take a picture near the posted coordinates and post with your log. Make sure not to get any of the answers to the above question in your photo.
sources: Wikipedia
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