Erosion Control in Relation to Watershed

Erosion control is significant in effective management of watershed lands. Erosion and sediment problems in the United States annually amount to over $1 billion loss or about one-fourth of all soil and water losses. Sediment problems and the sources and magnitude of sheet erosion, channel erosion, and wind erosion are described. Kinds and effectiveness of land treatment measures and structural measures are explained. The effectiveness and status of the small watershed approach to controlling erosion and developing the water resources of these areas are set forth. Out of an estimated 8,300 potentially feasible small watershed projects, needed measures had been installed in an equivalent of 323 projects by June 30, 1966, since the enactment of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, PL-566, in 1954. During that time, almost 6,000,000 acres had been treated with erosion control practices Erosion control benefits alone from these practices and other sediment control measures are estimated to have accumulated to almost $52,000,000 by June 30, 1966.