THE EFFECT OF WATER EROSION ON PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RIDEAU CLAY
Loss of topsoil was appreciable where corn was grown up and down the slope regardless of manuring, but control of erosion was excellent where a rotation was followed that included a soil improving crop such as alfalfa. Cropping practices influenced the physical characteristics of the soil, in particular the quantity of water stable aggregates. Stable aggregates greater than 0.5 millimeter were highest in the alfalfa and lowest in the corn plots.The organic matter and nitrogen contents of continuous corn plots decreased with time. On the other hand, these constituents were at least maintained where a rotation was followed and were increased in a continuous alfalfa plot. Sodium bicarbonate soluble phosphorus decreased during the experimental period regardless of management. However, erosion had no marked effect on the exchange properties of the soil.