What are the most effective methods to prevent soil erosion?

Soil erosion takes away your precious topsoil every time it rains and the wind blows. You see the gullies forming and the land degrading. But you can fight back, and will fight back successfully. I have protected hundreds of acres through effective practices. The practices integrate the ideas of nature and engineering for permanent impact.

Begin with earth anchoring plants. Native plants with deep-root systems, such as switchgrass, form underground living nets, binding soil particles. I would suggest planting them in sloped locations, just before rainy seasons. Their hardy natural solutions are inexpensive and provide the best protection for water runoff.

For areas with steep slopes, a terrace should be constructed to interrupt the path of water. Terraces will slow the speed of water runoff by 60-80%. Terraces are built from gravel bases and drain pipes. The customers I work with report immediate and measurable success in addressing their erosion issues after proper terrace installation.

Mulching makes an enormous difference, too. Organic materials soften the impact of rainfalls. They help to maintain moisture for the roots of the plants in the soil. You'll want to reapply mulch before storms. I choose wood chips because they last. They last for two seasons and provide nutrients as they decompose.

Maintenance ensures your erosion controls are functional. Check slopes after significant rains. Look for new hollows or exposed roots. Repair damage right away using native materials. I teach property owners to develop seasonal checklists. This is an effective approach to avoid minor issues from becoming major problems.

Your land warrants safeguarding. Begin with one practice that suits your landscape. Build on it incrementally. I've witnessed elementary sandy slopes become stable within 2 growing seasons! If you commit to it, you can make a fundamental restoration of the earth.

Read the full article: 9 Effective Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion