Soil erosion occurs because of a variety of factors including wind impact, water runoff, and improper usage of the land. Erosion is a natural occurrence but it can be damaging to the structure of the soil and even compact it. If you have an area of land that is being eroded, then you need to take action so you can better protect it. If you are looking to prevent erosion on your land, there are four easy methods you can implement.
- Planting Vegetation. Vegetation is the most natural way of preventing erosion. It is also the most simple because all you have to do is plant vegetation in the area. This works when the vegetation planted establishes root systems in the soil. These root systems then stabilize the soil and ultimately prevent the erosion. This is not a quick fix, however, so it is something to keep in mind.
- Laying Mulch, Compost Filter Socks and Fertilizer. When you have an area that is starting to show signs of erosion, you can put a layer of mulch and fertilizer on top of the soil. This added layer will help to slowly soak up water while protecting against rain impact. This also helps restore pH levels in the soil which can help with erosion prevention.
- Using Geotextiles. Geotextiles are great for stabilizing the soil, which is necessary when you are trying to prevent erosion. When you use this method along with planting vegetation, the effect is even greater. For these types of uses, the three main types of geotextiles you will want to use are coir, woven, and nonwoven.
- Build Retaining Walls. Retaining walls are effective when they are built around the eroding areas. They will prevent water run off, which will lead to even more erosion if it is not stopped. Retaining walls can be used alone but they are even better when they are used with some other methods of prevention.
As you can see, you have many different options to choose from. The one you choose may be based on budget or the area affected. Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with using any of the methods above. It does depend on your personal preferences.