Can eroded soil be restored?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Erosion steals away the fertility of barren land. You put the earth back! Restore it using a series of restoration techniques. Return organic compost to the world to replenish its nutrients. Build terraces so that when winter rains come, they retain sediment that would otherwise be washed away, and plant deep-rooted vegetation for earth stabilisation. With time and a persistent effort, life can return to a dead and barren earth. I've redeemed two acres of lost pasture!
Compost Enrichment
- Apply 8-10 cm layer annually for organic matter
- Mix manure and plant waste for balanced nutrients
- Increases microbial activity within 3 months
- Rebuilds soil structure faster than natural processes
Terrace Construction
- Build stepped platforms on slopes over 15 degrees
- Use stone or timber for retaining walls
- Captures 70-90% of sediment runoff
- Creates microclimates for diverse planting
Erosion-Resistant Plants
- Choose native species with deep root systems
- Plant willows or vetiver grass along vulnerable banks
- Roots penetrate 2-3 meters within first year
- Stabilizes soil while improving biodiversity
*Compost enrichment*. Spread out decayed organic matter over the soil surface. This feeds the organisms that, among other things, are responsible for binding soil together. Your land is re-empowered to recapture the chemical cycles of nutrients. On my land, I scatter 5 tons to the acre every autumn. In a year, we have a fivefold increase in earthworm activity.
Construct terraces wherever slopes cause runoff. Build your walls carefully, following contour lines. Space them 3-5 meters apart vertically. Backfill with the sediment they caught as well as compost, and your terraces are now productive planting zones. I grow veg on all of mine while I restore the site.
Plant deep-rooted species like lupine or switchgrass. Their roots bind up loose soil particles. The plant leaves soften the impact of rain. Space more plants together than standard procedures call for. Your site will stabilize more quickly. I mix them with compost for the best results.
Check progress with soil tests. Have you had your organic contents checked in the last six months? Aim for a minimum of at least 3% for healthy soil. How's your earthworm count looking each month? You are making a difference. I have certain patches where the topsoil regenerates by as much as 2cm every year. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Read the full article: 10 Proven Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion
