Jordfåra

Jordfåra is a term used in Swedish soil science to describe a narrow, elongated depression formed within the soil profile by the action of water. The word combines jord (soil) and fåra (channel or bed) and is used to distinguish channels carved in the soil from channels cut into the bedrock. Jordfåra can occur in cultivated fields, pastures, or natural landscapes where surface runoff or seepage concentrates flow within the upper soil layers.

Formation and morphology: Jordfåror develop through processes such as concentrated surface runoff, rill and gully erosion, seepage erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles. They are typically shallower than bedrock channels, often spanning decimeters in depth and centimeters to meters in width, and may evolve into more pronounced gullies under continued erosion or changes in land management. They can trap organic matter and sediments and influence soil moisture and fertility patterns within a landscape.

Distribution and significance: The feature is common in temperate regions with seasonal rainfall and soil textures that promote runoff. Jordfåra affects drainage and erosion risk, contributing to sediment transport to waterways and nutrient leakage. In land management, recognizing jordfåra informs soil-conservation practices such as contour farming, cover crops, and improved drainage.

Methods and study: Researchers map jordfåror through field profiling, soil maps, and high-resolution topography (for example, LiDAR) to delineate channels. Sediment analyses and dating methods help interpret formation timelines. The concept is primarily used in Nordic soil science and related hydrological studies.