“Peak” is a popular word these days—in particular when used before the word oil. But Peak Dirt? The concept refers to topsoil or, to be more specific, topsoil depletion. Earth, on average, is covered with about 3 feet of topsoil and this shallow skin of nutrient-rich matter sustains most of our food and plays a critical role in supporting life. “The estimate is that we are now losing about 1 percent of our topsoil every year to erosion, most of this caused by agriculture,” explains David Montgomery, a geologist at the University of Washington.
How much Floyd County topsoil goes to the Gulf every year? If our creeks–and Little River–don’t run clear, soil disappears. Do we want our dirt in the deltas? Think dirty thoughts, take care of our topsoil.
What many do not realize is that it takes according to most Earth Science texts hundreds of years for topsoil to form. Many people don’t give topsoil a second thought especially since many think of topsoil as coming straight out of a bag. The Dust Bowl is a prime example of what happens when a major loss of topsoil occurs. I am surprised that more no till farming methods are not utilized.