Soil erosion is the loss of topsoil or upper layer of dirt particles from land. It is a natural process caused by wind and rain, but human activities can greatly increase erosion. Over-cultivation or intensive farming, construction and deforestation worsen soil erosion. Erosion degrades dirt by destroying soil structure, causing loss of nutrients, and by decreasing the water-holding ability of soil. On slopes, Water Damage can cause mudslides. By using plants and other measures, homeowners can decrease soil erosion.
Planting and Mulching
Vegetation and soil containing organic matter help reduce erosion on both slopes and flat land. The origins of plants help hold the soil together. Add mulch or other organic matter into the soil to enrich it for better root growth and to make it more challenging for rain drops to split dirt particles. Vegetation and as many as 2 inches of mulch are successful at preventing excessive erosion on slopes with an increase around 33 percent, asserts the National Resource Conservation Service. Even though low-growing plants, such as ornamental grasses, can stabilize slopes with a 33 percent increase, steeper slopes require plants with deep roots, such as shrubs and trees, and other measures.
Terracing and Retaining Walls
You can avoid excessive erosion by decreasing the steepness and length of slopes. Build retaining walls or terraces into the incline. Terracing is like placing measures and several low retaining walls into a slope. Construct retaining walls and patio walls with bricks, rocks, concrete blocks or treated wood. Growing plants in the flat regions, created by terracing, also will help to reduce erosion. Consult your local building authority to find out if there are codes for construction keeping and patio walls. Utilize a professional for steep slopes or large terracing projects to ensure proper construction.
Water Diversion
Water runoff can cause erosion in nearby locations. To avoid water runoff from driveways and other paved areas, think about paving with material that enables water soak into the ground. Use porous pavers or asphalt to redo paths, driveways and other impermeable surfaces that cause runoff. Utilizing gravel is another choice. If rainwater from your roof triggers sediment in your lawn, use rain barrels to capture some of this rainwater. Another way to reduce water erosion would be to dig a small ditch near the top of a slope and allow the dump to drain into a planted area or a drainage area, created in a suitable area of the lawn.
Placing Windbreaks
Sandy soil is endangered over clay or silty soil by water and wind erosion. Erosion caused by water is the most severe in wet, hilly or sloping land areas, whilst erosion caused by wind is best in dry, windy and flat terrains. To reduce erosion caused by wind, plant shrubs or trees to function as windbreaks. Not all shrubs and trees grow well in windy places, so check with your regional garden nursery as to what shrubs and trees are best for a windbreak hedge.