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Story: Soil erosion and conservation

Rill erosion

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Rill erosion

Any cultivated, sloping land is susceptible to erosion in heavy rain. Rills or small channels form when run-off is concentrated when moving down, or at the base of slopes. Rills can be covered by subsequent cultivation, but they cause soil loss.

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by Paul Gregg

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How to cite this page

Paul Gregg, Soil erosion and conservation – Types of erosion, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/19789/rill-erosion (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Paul Gregg, published 1 March 2009.