destructive erosion. Streambank erosion is a very serious problem over tbe 

 State because it affects very productive land either by direct loss of soil 

 or through deposition of infertile soil material. Possibly the most spec- 

 tacular erosion in the State is along the sides of the Connecticut Valley 

 where huge gullies have been cut by water flowing from the upland to the 

 river. Woods roads and animal trails on steep slopes are important causes 

 of gullying. 



The principal factors that contribute to wind and water erosion are: 

 bare land, intensive cultivation, cultivation up and down the slope, steep 

 slopes, long slopes, intensity of rains, rapid snow melt, frost, strong winds, 

 and drought. 



One condition that occurs frequently in New Hampshire is that in the 

 spring in open areas the frost melts to a depth of a few inches, but below 

 this the ground is still frozen. This frozen layer will not take in water, 

 so when it rains or the snow melts, the surface soil becomes extremely wet. 

 In this condition the soil is easily eroded by running water. 



RELATION OF LAND -CAPABILITY CLASSES TO SAFE LAND USE 



UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

 SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE 



Figure 9. 

 20 



