Erosion is a naturally-occurring process that slowly corrodes patches of earth in areas where water regularly flows. While this natural process is responsible for the creation of lakes, rivers, and other waterways and influences the flow patterns of said waterways, man-made erosion that expedites this natural process can interfere with delicate eco-systems. Because human pollution, migration patterns, and construction of cities (past and present) directly impact environmental systems, natural erosion that would normally take extended periods of time will unfold at alarming rates.
Speeding up the process can stir problems of unimaginable proportions, such as dust bowls, dust storms, and landslides. These natural disasters can wreak havoc on surrounding communities and completely devastate households with limited insurance coverage. Other consequences of unregulated erosion include excess flooding and bank erosion, which can also leave thousands of homes destroyed.
With these repercussions in mind, erosion control isn’t a luxury but a necessity. To reiterate its importance, this article will explain the science behind erosion control and why it is such an effective strategy at mitigating the effects of unregulated erosion.
How erosion control methods are used
In the forestry industry, more trees are planted to slow the erosion of the soil. By planting a variety of plant species and trees types, this plant life will continue to grow and effectively support the soil.
During land reclamation efforts, the ground is built up from where the soil has eroded beyond the ability to hold water, nutrients, plant roots, etc. Once the soil has been restored, seeds are planted or another erosion control method is implemented to help hold the new soil in place and keep it from eroding away via water or wind.
Without erosion control, the agricultural industry will be negatively impacted. Farmers can’t grow anything of use if the soil has eroded beyond a certain level, as all valuable plant nutrients are washed away. To combat nutrient-depleting man-made erosion, new topsoil is often added and tilled with the remaining soil. Crop rotation can prevent good soil from completely disintegrating.
Unregulated erosion can also introduce unwelcome pollutants, which run off the land into water sources and can even penetrate deeper into the ground. This directly affects the health and well-being of delicate ecosystems that survive off the formerly nutrient-rich soil. From plants to animals to humans, no species is exempt from man-made erosion’s devastating effects. Therefore, managing both man-made and natural forms of erosion can actually protect the environment and contribute to planet-saving efforts.
Common erosion control measures
There are a number of methods and measures used to control erosion. Your erosion-control method of choice will depend on the area that is eroded, the type of soil or ground that is eroding (e.g., sand versus loamy soil), and the ultimate goal in preventing said erosion. To get a better idea of what strategies you can employ to manage man-made erosion, this article will overview some of the options for erosion control plan-of-action.
Seeding
On low slopes and flat areas, seeding is an excellent choice for controlling erosion. As the seeds take root, the roots penetrate deeper and deeper into the soil, holding the soil in place by introducing a sense of structure. The more roots the seedlings establish and the larger territory these root networks claim, the less likely it is that soil will blow away when dry or run-off when wet.
To learn more about seeding check out this helpful resource from Granite Seed, one of the largest suppliers of erosion control measures in North America. With the possibility of property destruction or a limited harvest of crops that can affect your income, you’ll want to recruit the experts. Otherwise, you’ll have to cope with unforeseen expenses and/or financial consequences.
Sodding
Along with its convenience benefits, i.e. its ability to establish roots quickly without the wait-times of standard grass seed, .installing sod has the added bonus of protecting the soil like an all-natural erosion control blanket. Not only are you covering huge swaths of unprotected ground, but you’re also amplifying your yard’s aesthetic appeal.
Sodding is a common erosion control method with commercial and residential real estate when agents and realtors want to stage a property before attempting to sell it. Like a two-in-one package, sod is as practical as it is cosmetic.
Erosion blankets
Some people may also refer to this method as “ground netting”—a more self-explanatory term for erosion blankets. Various woven meshes of eco-friendly netting are installed over the bare ground, where erosion is negatively affecting its livelihood.
Erosion blankets may be used in conjunction with seeding to successfully stabilize the soil until the seeds can plant roots and push up through the netting. Eventually, the netting will fall apart, but the soil underneath will remain adequately protected.
Mulch
At one point in time, mulch consisted solely of chopped bits of wood. Now, mulch can contain a variety of materials from wood to old rubber tires, as long as they’re roughly chopped.
Regardless of what kind of mulch you choose, it will serve its ultimate purpose: to prevent erosion. When an adequate layer of mulch covers a bare or nearly bare patch of earth, wind and rain cannot erode the soil. An additional waterproof barrier such as landscaping fabric or landscaping plastic can be placed under the mulch, but the landscaping plastic’s success will depend on the location of the erosion.
Wattles
Wattles are long tubes of material, typically made of straw or other woven organic or inorganic materials, that aid in the redirection of water. Cranberry and rice farmers use wattles a lot more than a typical farmer would.
However, if you grow any sort of vegetation crop for consumption, the wattles may work for your farm, as well. The wattles can keep water from flooding your crops and prevent the erosion of soil. With soil erosion managed, you won’t have to worry about your plants tipping over or unexpectedly rotting.
Ask about other methods
If you need direction in planning your erosion control strategy, it helps to confer with trained professionals. By explaining what kind of soil is experiencing weathering, where the soil is located, and why stabilizing the soil is of high priority, the experts can provide a customized solution for all types of erosion. Because there may be more than one solution, professional expertise will be especially crucial, as they’ll able to prescribe the most cost-effective and time-conscious solution available.