Whether you own a backyard patch of garden or a vast farmland acreage, soil erosion is a big problem. It robs the land of vital nutrients and creates dangerous gullies. Erosion also robs us of plants that sequester climate-warming carbon dioxide and can degrade waterways. Fortunately, smarter land management techniques can help prevent erosion.
Cover the Topsoil
The best way to prevent soil erosion Southern California is to cover bare areas of your field with grass or low, spreading shrubs. The roots of these plants help to hold the soil together and reduce the velocity of raindrops as they hit the ground. Erosion caused by wind can be prevented with the use of berms, terraces, and windbreaks. Steep slopes require additional protection to keep topsoil from blowing away. Water erosion causes quick water run-offs that can wash away soil particles and occurs most often in bare fields. This type of erosion is more difficult to control than the others, and climate changes like extreme temperature fluctuations or abnormal rainfalls can accelerate it. Other factors include wildfires, which destroy vegetation and leave fields exposed to rain and winds.
Plant Vegetation
Vegetation binds soil together, making it less likely to wash or blow away. Plants also suck water into their roots, decreasing the amount of water that flows off-site and increasing soil infiltration rates. It allows more nutrients and other valuable materials to remain in the ground instead of washing into streams, rivers, or oceans. Water erosion is caused by rain run-off washing away bare soil particles and detaching sediment from the land’s surface. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of gullies. The foliage of vegetation can help prevent this by intercepting rainfall, slowing the water flow rate, and reducing surface splash. Vegetation also binds the soil and attracts grazing animals whose dung helps reduce erosion by nourishing the land.
Install Drainage Pipes
Drainage problems are a big cause of soil erosion. Water that doesn’t get absorbed by the ground moves faster over surfaces, picking up and carrying sediment in its flow. The result is gullies, ravines and other landscape changes. These problems also can damage your home or business’s foundation. Regularly cleaning your drains will help prevent these issues. A well-installed drainage system prevents surface water from washing away and eroding your yard or landscaping. Erosion is a slow process that can have serious consequences for your property. Repairs can be costly and time-consuming, so avoidance is preferable. Grass and shrubs can help block wind that could blow eroded soil away. Other techniques include constructing barriers such as berms and terraces, planting cover crops and using crop rotations.
Install Irrigation Systems
Erosion is an invisible but mighty force that can severely affect the landscape. Without vegetation to hold it in place, soil can wash away – forming gullies and creating run-off that runs off the property into waterways. It can prevent rivers, lakes and streams from flowing properly, causing flooding and environmental damage. Natural and artificial forces can cause the erosion process. The tillage techniques farmers use to prepare seedbeds, kill weeds, and level fields fracture the soil surface, speeding up erosion. Plants with thick roots that bind the soil most effectively prevent erosion. Trees like the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and shrubs like the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) have deep roots that prevent erosion by binding the ground and spreading along slopes.
Build a Berm
A berm is a raised mound of soil that adds visual variety to a landscape and can divert water run-off and improve drainage. These unique landscaping features can be built in various shapes and sizes. They are usually no taller than 18-24 inches and have slopes that taper down to the surrounding ground level. When building a berm, the hill should gradually prevent erosion and look more natural. A berm that is too steep may result in excessive erosion and the loss of soil particles. Start excavating the site and digging down the subsoil, then create a flat base for the berm. Use a shovel or rake to shape the berm into its desired form. Use gravel or fill dirt to build up the berm and make sure it is tightly compacted.
