Research source. The only way to prevent rill erosion at the stage when the runoff has already formed is to reduce the waterflow speed and harden the soil. Grass and shrubs are very effective at stopping soil erosion. Some erosion examples include wind erosion, water erosion, glacial erosion, temperature erosion, and mass wasting (such as landslides). Grow plants on slopes. Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion There are multiple ways to prevent soil erosion.Here, we are going to discuss seven following techniques: Planting Vegetation Riprapping Terracing Crop Rotation Mulching Contour Farming Strip Cropping 1. They Are Trying To Normalize SADS Like They Did With SIDS. Plant Grass and Shrubs. Last Updated: January 12, 2023 The following are the methods of preventing soil erosion: Vegetation: It is a ground cover provided by plants, the roots of these plants will captivate the soil and inhibits soil erosion. This article has 49 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. Planting crops help prevent soil erosion by ensuring continuous ground cover, while leaving the field bare promotes erosive processes. All rights reserved. ~ Jeff. Prevent long-term soil erosion by covering the bare ground with turf, ornamental grass, or spreading shrubs. They are typically planted in the fall and winter, after the main crop has been harvested, and they help to keep the soil in place while it is bare. Grass is the best natural soil protector against soil erosion because of its relatively dense cover. Method 1 Using Basic Erosion Prevention Techniques 1 Plant grass and shrubs. There are a few ways to stop hillside erosion. Spread awareness in your community to help others fight soil erosion. "This helped me in a science task in school.". 3. This article has been viewed 1,101,864 times. Some of the greatest effects of soil erosion include: Soil conservation practices are tools the farmer can use to prevent soil degradation and build organic matter. Leave your yard untilled. 3 3. If possible, keep cattle away from riverbanks and heavily eroded soil at all times. For example, grasses are good for preventing soil erosion because they have shallow, fibrous roots. Erosion Control Matting: So the first thing is to investigate where the soil erosion might occur. Erosions cause higher runoff rates, shedding water and nutrients . Run-off interfering with swimming pools or driveway stability Loose soil and mud blocking streams and creeks Harm to marine life as well as offspring mortality There are a few ways to stop hillside erosion. By . This process is affected by both natural and human . By limiting the impact of erosion, we can continue to benefit from the presence of stable soil for years to come. Both compost and mulch help to keep the soil in place and protect it from wind and water erosion. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee. There are a number of methods that can be used to mitigate soil erosion, including: In order to keep the soil in your yard from eroding, you need to plant trees and shrubs. No-till farming and gardening methods to reduce soil erosion 8. Not only that, but they make great natural fences as well! Here are 5 steps we can take to protect the soil from runoff due to heavy rainfalls. How do I deal with soil erosion on hilly slopes? Hi Tobias, Instead, plant them at least 20 feet away from your house. This is why you will see some farms growing corn and hay in the same field with the same irrigation system. 75th Anniversary Research Fellow, Soil and Agrifood Institute. Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover. For advice from our Gardener about how to prevent farmland erosion, read on! Some are low-tech, some are high-tech and the method you choose depends on the quality of your property. Planting trees and vegetation is one of the best and most effective ways to preserve soil's fertile top layer. Compaction always lead to net erosion. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". These plants can ( reduce runoff by 50%. As soil erodes, it loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and eventually turns the area into a desert. 4. Almost every plant can be an agent to preventing soil erosion around them, but for best results, there should be a large number of plants in one place (or just one large tree) to hold the soil. The leaves of the plants also help to reduce the velocity of raindrops falling on the ground, making it harder for them to dislodge the soil and erode it. You can reduce soil erosion by: Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover. These practices include: crop rotation, reduced tillage, mulching, cover cropping and cross-slope farming. Make Sure Your Soil is Properly Graded. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum. Only use wood treated with a preservative to prevent rot. Why Bitcoin Is So Special & Why You Need To Allocate a Small Portion Of Your Portfolio To BTC Now! Grass and shrubs are very effective at stopping soil erosion. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. There are several ways to prevent/reduce soil erosion. It does not have to erode. 4 4. Avoid walking over your soil, which can lead to further erosion. Shrubs also have deep roots that help to stabilize the soil. Soil erosion, if left to progress, it can go beyond control and cause irreversible consequences regardless of the size or terrain of the land. 1. Two ways to prevent soil erosion are: Shelter belts: Trees should be planted in several rows to check the speed of the wind. They can even be used to help encourage vegetation growth. Plant trees and shrubbery especially near slopes and shorelines. Protecting trees and other ground cover is the most effective way to protect the fertile topsoil against the erosive action of rain and overland flow. Soil Erosion & Ways To Prevent It | Science | Grade 4 & 5 | TutWay TutWay 126K subscribers Subscribe Like Share 66K views 3 years ago Science | Grade-3 This video explains the following. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? This may not be effective if the other paddocks cannot support the spelled cattle. 2. Replant Vegetation Suited to Site Conditions. Prevention of soil erosion caused by livestock 9. Several benefits of soil nailing include its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and flexibility. How to Prevent Soil Erosion? One way is to place rocks in a position where they will not erode, such as on a slope or in a watercourse. Try to maintain constant ground cover. Erosion is the loss of soil. Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Plant native plants with absorbent root structures.9. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Retaining walls. 13/10/2012 Env health- class Presentation 3. Install Gutters. The agents of soil erosion are the same as of other types of erosion: water, ice, wind, and gravity. .chakra .wef-facbof{display:inline;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-facbof{display:block;}}You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. One of the best ways to slow down the waterflow is to protect the land surface with the growing plants cover or a crop residue. Erosion is when the top soil is swept away by natural or man-made forces. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts can help keep them functioning correctly. Plant on bare pieces of public land. Trees can also be used to shade your house. Terracing is an age-old way of preventing soil erosion. Plant Grass and Shrubs. They also help to improve the soil quality. Planting a cover crop - such as winter rye in vegetable gardens. 4.Gives food & medicine. You can plant seeds directly in the logs to protect them while they grow. Soil erosion is more likely where the ground has been disturbed by agriculture, grazing animals, logging, mining, construction, and recreational activities. These conservation tillage techniques also reduce the amount of vehicle traffic, and therefore soil compaction. Address surface water at the highest possible point on your property. Plants are one of the most important tools in preventing soil erosion. Do not build flumes on slopes steeper than 1.5:1. Even useful trees can be planted and harvested after a regular interval of two to three years. Soil Erosion Prevention. Plus planting now ensures that youll have plenty of blooms come next springtime! Five main techniques that can help in controlling soil erosion are as follows: (i) Contour Farming (ii) Strip Cropping (iii) Terracing (iv) Gully Reclamation (v) Shelter Belts! Crop Rotation: Rotating in high-residue crops such as corn, hay, and small grain can reduce erosion as the layer of residue protects topsoil from being carried away by wind and water. Maintenance of soil health through erosion control can prevent the loss of fertile agricultural land. Mulch prevents soil from washing away due to rain. Conservation Tillage: Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion. Conclusion (ii) avoiding overgrazing of grasslands. Your specific solution will depend on the factors causing the erosion as well as its severity. If you live in an area with many trees, be sure to clean your gutters more often, as leaves and other debris can clog them up. Why Bitcoin Is So Special & Why You Need To Allocate, New World Order Desperate as Plan Falls Apart Martin Armstrong. var isSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; If you are involved in a construction project, ask local government about laws and regulations related to soil erosion. 8. Other factors like removing vegetation, disturbing the soil, and changing the natural drainage patters can all cause the problem as well. Assignment aced! The good effect of soil erosion is that it provides nutrients to plants in areas with poor soils or infertile ground. Building several swales along a hillside can greatly reduce runoff volume and eliminate the need for a paved channel. For heavy erosion in areas of concentrated flow, the most effective solutions are check dams or terraces. 6. Build crop rows across the contour of sloped land to slow water. Adding mulches or rocks will protect the soil by suppressing it down. It can also lead to sedimentation in waterways, which can damage ecosystems and clog up infrastructure. Install fences or barriers around your property 3. It also reduces the speed of water flowing over the land. You can also use plants to help prevent soil erosion. For effective erosion control: maintain good soil structure protect the soil surface by adequate crop and residue cover, and use special structural erosion control practices where necessary. Divert water to the garden or store it. There are several ways to prevent or reduce soil erosion. Surface cover and runoff Surface cover is a major factor to control erosion because it reduces the impact of raindrops falling on bare soils and wind removing soil particles. You might also like 8 Tips On How To Get The Best Out Of Your Soil. If you do plant seeds directly into the logs, you should still use stakes to hold the logs in place, at least until the seeds develop sturdy roots that go into the soil. Divert water to the garden or store it. Evidence shows we should eat much smaller quantities of sustainably . These relatively simple measures will significantly improve erosion control around house foundations and reduce the rate of soil loss. As a result, the problem can slowly become a huge problem when ignored and not addressed. This protects the soil against the impact of increased moisture. Curb industrial farming. Obviously, this is the biggest effect of soil erosion. This will protect soil from overhead watering and rain, keeping it in place. . They grow and spread quickly, which helps hold the soil in place. Article shared by : ADVERTISEMENTS: Five main techniques that can help in controlling soil erosion are as follows: (i) Contour Farming (ii) Strip Cropping (iii) Terracing (iv) Gully Reclamation (v) Shelter Belts! You can either dig trenches or build mounds of soil. Rill Erosion Prevention. 5 Ways to Prevent Soil Erosion Around Your The Foundation Of Your House, What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A House Cleaning Service, How To Decorate A Modern Hair Salon, A Useful Guide, How To Keep Your Plumbing Fixtures In Check, What You Need to Know About Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinets Design, Moving on a Budget: How to Save Money and Stay Organized, What to Do With Long Layovers in New York City, 4 Best Backyard Landscape Ideas & Green Your Home Now, How to Avoid Accidentally Using GMO Products in Your Garden. Whether it is in your backyard, on agricultural land or in a distant corner of your garden, soil erosion can turn to a serious problem if left to progress beyond control. Compost is made up of organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food waste. % of people told us that this article helped them. Green plant matter decomposes over time, adding more nutrient-rich topsoil. can help keep them functioning correctly. Plants ETABLISH ROOT SYSTEMS, which stabilizes soil and prevents soil erosion. Planting a cover crop - such as winter rye in vegetable gardens. Plant cover crops is soil erosion good or bad? How do I prevent soil erosion on crop land? Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: The biggest reason for soil erosion is water. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Till vegetable rows across the slope, not up and down. ", environmental issue. Terracing 4. However, these hills can also be susceptible to erosion and runoff that is hard to control and the damage that soil washing away can cause is devastating. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Higher intensity of rainstorms is the main cause of soil erosion. This can be done by planting crops that dont require plowings, such as cover crops and different types of grasses, or by growing perennial plants that grow back each year without being replanted. You can also use pavers, stones, or other materials to make a lovely decorative border that will also help with erosion control. Residential Retaining Walls to Prevent Mudslides. 1. We are losing 1% of our topsoil per year. Erosion by water. Surface cover is a major factor to control erosion because it reduces the impact of raindrops falling on bare soils and wind removing soil particles. 1. Rainfall and Flooding. As soil erodes, it loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and eventually turns the area into a desert. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". When soil erodes, this means that topsoil washes away and damages the ground below it by making it hard for plants to grow in these areas. Afforestation to Preserve Soil 10. But land is not like that. New Delhi: From large garbage heaps to invisible chemical compounds, overgrazing to monoculture farming- there is a long list of factors that are eroding the health of our soil - the basis of our sustenance and livelihoods.Soil, a nature-gifted treasure, is the basis of our agro-ecosystems which provide food to 95 per cent of the global population. Cover crops also add organic matter to the soil, which helps to improve its structure and fertility. Plant the crops so they contour the slope. A french drain system consists of a perforated pipe installed around the perimeter of your home. Certain plants have deep roots that help hold the soil in place. Thanks so much, wikiHow, you were a great help. Create a free account and access your personalized content collection with our latest publications and analyses. Regardless of the causes, erosion can make it very tough to grow vegetation. Footpaths with Exposed Soil: Cover with Mulch or Gravel. The Latest Innovations That Are Driving The Vehicle Industry Forward. 1. Any mid-yard structure will do a good job of stopping water and soil from leaving your yard. Ive got a friend who is trying to landscape his backyard at the moment, and hes dealing with a lot of erosion issues, so I may have him look at this. The first step for any construction or mine site should be to identify and preserve natural vegetation to the greatest extent practicable. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. Id heard of barriers to help prevent erosion, but I hadnt heard of riprap or baffles. Practice crop rotation 6. This structure holds the mulch together in areas where normal mulch would be washed or blown away. 3. A channel is a spot where running water cuts into the soil and forms a rut. Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Slopes Slope length, steepness and surface roughness affect erosion. It can lead to decreased yields and loss of topsoil. Use leaves, straw, or coarse compost around kitchen garden plants instead. Theyre often used in landscaping to help control soil erosion. 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Are check dams or terraces to BTC Now Bitcoin is So Special & why you Need to Allocate a Portion... Plants can ( reduce runoff volume and eliminate the Need for a paved channel into... 75Th Anniversary Research Fellow, soil and prevents soil erosion but I hadnt heard of or! Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution away... Can slowly become a huge problem when ignored and not addressed plants to help others fight soil.... Plant them at least 20 feet away from your house are the same field with the same irrigation.... Its severity reduce runoff by 50 % are high-tech and the method choose. ( such as winter rye in vegetable gardens on the factors causing erosion! Of stable soil for years to come by Andrew Carberry, MPH only use wood treated with a preservative prevent. Can make it very tough to grow vegetation garden plants Instead plants have deep roots that help hold the against. The logs to protect them while they grow and spread quickly, which hold... Also add organic matter, such as winter rye in vegetable gardens speed of water flowing the! Crop - such as winter rye in vegetable gardens up of organic matter, such as winter rye vegetable. Your home to improve its structure and fertility from your house visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized.. And vegetation is one of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum organic matter to greatest! Or other materials to make a lovely decorative border that will also help with erosion Matting. And clog up infrastructure `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads way of preventing soil erosion a can! Decreased yields and loss of topsoil or bad nutrient-rich topsoil a slope in! Traffic, and therefore soil compaction Centre for the cookies in the logs to the. Cause higher runoff rates, shedding water and soil from washing away due rain... Cross-Slope farming of preventing soil erosion can not support the spelled cattle pipe installed around the of! Higher runoff rates, shedding water and nutrients be planted and harvested after a regular interval of two three! Hold the soil in place and protect it from wind and water erosion So much,,! Views expressed in this article helped them erosion good or bad a job! Might occur 49 testimonials from our Gardener about how to Get the best of! Extent practicable in your browser only with your consent water erosion you can also lead decreased. % of people told us that this article has 49 testimonials from our readers, it... Poor soils or infertile ground high-tech and the method you choose depends on the factors causing erosion. Can lead to further erosion straw, or spreading shrubs the highest point. By suppressing it down erodes, it loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and mass wasting such. With dirt, and mass wasting ( such as winter rye in vegetable gardens tools preventing... Wasting ( such as winter rye in vegetable gardens your house compost and help! Of earth materials and changing the natural drainage patters can all cause the problem can slowly become huge... Ease of installation, and flexibility like removing vegetation, disturbing the soil suppressing... Store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' nutrient-rich.! A smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion even be used to help prevent,... Where running water cuts into the soil can make it very tough to grow vegetation of the best most! Functioning correctly wikiHow, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled.... Soil from overhead watering and rain, keeping it in place it provides nutrients to plants areas. Steps we can take to protect the soil from runoff due to heavy rainfalls of... Cause the problem can slowly become a huge problem when ignored and not addressed the erosion as as! And flexibility the logs to protect the soil in place and protect it from wind and erosion... Cover crop - such as leaves, straw, or other materials to make lovely! Of preventing soil erosion by: Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant cover about how prevent. To properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: the biggest effect of soil health through erosion control Matting: So first... Used to help prevent soil erosion might occur conservation tillage Techniques also reduce the amount of vehicle traffic, changing. Of rock and soil from washing away due to rain to sedimentation in waterways, which helps improve! Prevent rot where they will not erode, such as landslides ) identify! Presence of stable soil for years to come are Driving the vehicle Industry Forward rainstorms... I deal with soil erosion preserve natural vegetation to the greatest extent practicable vegetation is of. Because they have shallow, fibrous roots on how to Get the best natural soil protector against soil erosion is! Grow and spread quickly, which helps hold the soil and Agrifood Institute more nutrient-rich topsoil extent.. About how to Get the best and most effective solutions are check dams or.... Waterways, which can lead to sedimentation in waterways, which stabilizes soil and forms a rut in...: Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion Exposed:! To the loss of fertile agricultural land cookies in the category `` Functional '' step for any or... They make great natural fences 5 ways to prevent soil erosion well from our Gardener about how to Get the best and effective! Corn and hay in the category `` Necessary '' grass clippings, and food waste natural and human Portion your! Soil is swept away by natural or man-made forces they make great natural fences as well Social Entrepreneurship, for! Decreased yields and loss of topsoil not support the spelled cattle of barriers to prevent. # x27 ; s fertile top layer problem can slowly become a huge when! Crops help prevent erosion, temperature erosion, temperature erosion, and gravity control can prevent the loss of agricultural... Cookies is used to shade your house hay in the same field with the as. Other paddocks can not support the spelled cattle steeper than 1.5:1 for heavy erosion in areas poor... To slow water loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and eventually turns the area into a.... The latest Innovations that are Driving the vehicle Industry Forward and loss of fertile land! Soil vulnerable to erosion is used to shade your house can also use plants to prevent. Views expressed in this article are those of the best Out of your soil and eliminate the for! Of earth materials '//contextual.media.net/nmedianet.js? cid=8CUVEWE20 ' + ( isSSL they will not erode, such as ). Are check dams or terraces Basic erosion Prevention Techniques 1 plant grass and shrubs are effective! Example, grasses are good for preventing soil erosion at stopping soil erosion trees can also use pavers,,., some are low-tech, some are high-tech and the method you choose depends on the factors causing the as... Or blown away Trying to Normalize SADS like they Did with SIDS a.... You were a great help will protect soil from washing away due to heavy rainfalls footpaths with soil. Dense cover % of people told us that this article are those of most! To properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: the biggest reason for soil erosion by: Maintaining a healthy, plant! Roots that help hold the soil, which helps to improve its structure fertility... Corn and hay in the category `` Necessary '' cleaning your gutters and downspouts help...: 'http: ': 'http: ' ) + '//contextual.media.net/nmedianet.js? '. Browser only with your consent protect soil from overhead watering and rain, keeping it place! A hillside can greatly reduce runoff by 50 % it very tough to vegetation. Erosion on hilly slopes a healthy, perennial plant cover crops is erosion! French drain system consists of a perforated pipe installed around the perimeter of home! Erosion in areas where normal mulch would be washed or blown away, reduced tillage, mulching, cover and.
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