Difference between revisions of "Prevent Soil Erosion"
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| − | Erosion is the loss of soil. As soil erodes, it loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and eventually turns the area into a desert.<ref>http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/projects/SOCO/FactSheets/ENFactSheet-02.pdf</ref> Although erosion happens naturally, human activities can make it much worse. Examples of this include overwatering, planting crops that cannot hold the soil together, or introducing livestock and machines that destroy plants and leave the soil vulnerable to floods and landslides. | + | Erosion is the loss of soil. As soil erodes, it loses nutrients, clogs rivers with dirt, and eventually turns the area into a desert.<ref name="rf1">http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/projects/SOCO/FactSheets/ENFactSheet-02.pdf</ref> Although erosion happens naturally, human activities can make it much worse. Examples of this include overwatering, planting crops that cannot hold the soil together, or introducing livestock and machines that destroy plants and leave the soil vulnerable to floods and landslides. |
[[Category:Compost Mulch and Soil Preparation]] | [[Category:Compost Mulch and Soil Preparation]] | ||
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===Using Basic Erosion Prevention Techniques=== | ===Using Basic Erosion Prevention Techniques=== | ||
| − | #Plant grass and shrubs. Bare soil is easily swept away by wind and water, the two main causes of erosion. Plant roots hold the soil together, while their leaves block rain and stop it breaking the soil apart.<ref>http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html</ref> Turf, ornamental grass, and low, spreading shrubs work best, since they cover the soil completely. | + | #Plant grass and shrubs. Bare soil is easily swept away by wind and water, the two main causes of erosion. Plant roots hold the soil together, while their leaves block rain and stop it breaking the soil apart.<ref name="rf2">http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html</ref> Turf, ornamental grass, and low, spreading shrubs work best, since they cover the soil completely. |
#*If you have any bare ground, try to establish plant cover as soon as possible to limit erosion. | #*If you have any bare ground, try to establish plant cover as soon as possible to limit erosion. | ||
| − | #*If the ground is mostly flat (slope of 3:1 or less), this might be enough to solve the problem.<ref>http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_063808.pdf</ref> Steep slopes erode faster, so they need more protection. | + | #*If the ground is mostly flat (slope of 3:1 or less), this might be enough to solve the problem.<ref name="rf3">http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_063808.pdf</ref> Steep slopes erode faster, so they need more protection. |
| − | #Add mulch or rocks. This will weigh down the soil and protect the seeds and young plants underneath from getting washed away. It also slows the absorption of water to reduce runoff. Grass clippings or bark chips work especially well.<ref>http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/swbmp/Mulching.cfm</ref> | + | #Add mulch or rocks. This will weigh down the soil and protect the seeds and young plants underneath from getting washed away. It also slows the absorption of water to reduce runoff. Grass clippings or bark chips work especially well.<ref name="rf4">http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/swbmp/Mulching.cfm</ref> |
#*If you plant something in the soil, the plant’s roots can hold the soil together. If you don’t plant anything, then keep the soil covered with mulch. You can also add mulch around plants to add another layer of protection or to keep the soil warm. | #*If you plant something in the soil, the plant’s roots can hold the soil together. If you don’t plant anything, then keep the soil covered with mulch. You can also add mulch around plants to add another layer of protection or to keep the soil warm. | ||
| − | #Use mulch matting to hold vegetation on slopes. Fiber mulch mats or erosion control mats are a layer of mulch held together in a fiber mesh. This structure holds the mulch together in areas where normal mulch would be washed or blown away.<ref>http://www.landscapeplanet.com/maintenance-1.htm</ref> Lay the mat over seeds or young plants. | + | #Use mulch matting to hold vegetation on slopes. Fiber mulch mats or erosion control mats are a layer of mulch held together in a fiber mesh. This structure holds the mulch together in areas where normal mulch would be washed or blown away.<ref name="rf5">http://www.landscapeplanet.com/maintenance-1.htm</ref> Lay the mat over seeds or young plants. |
| − | #*On steep slopes, dig a small trench at the top of the hill. Lay the top of the mat in the trench, fill it up with soil, then fold the mat back over the top. This helps water run over the top of the mat, where the mat will slow it down, instead of traveling underneath it.<ref>http://www.co.forest.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=19315&locid=145</ref> | + | #*On steep slopes, dig a small trench at the top of the hill. Lay the top of the mat in the trench, fill it up with soil, then fold the mat back over the top. This helps water run over the top of the mat, where the mat will slow it down, instead of traveling underneath it.<ref name="rf6">http://www.co.forest.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=19315&locid=145</ref> |
| − | #Put down fiber logs. Another option for erosion control on steep slopes is a series of rolled up logs or "wattles" made from fibrous material (like straw). Water running down the slope will slow down when it hits the logs, soaking into the soil instead of carrying mud downhill. Put the logs down across the slope, 10 to 25 feet (3–8m) apart. Hold them in place with wooden stakes or sturdy, living plants.<ref | + | #Put down fiber logs. Another option for erosion control on steep slopes is a series of rolled up logs or "wattles" made from fibrous material (like straw). Water running down the slope will slow down when it hits the logs, soaking into the soil instead of carrying mud downhill. Put the logs down across the slope, 10 to 25 feet (3–8m) apart. Hold them in place with wooden stakes or sturdy, living plants.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*You can plant seeds directly in the logs to protect them while they grow. | #*You can plant seeds directly in the logs to protect them while they grow. | ||
#[[Build-a-Retaining-Wall|Build retaining walls]]. Badly eroded slopes will continue to collapse downhill until they are stabilized. A retaining wall at the base of the slope will block the soil and slow down the collapse. This gives grass or other plants time to grow and help the soil hold together. | #[[Build-a-Retaining-Wall|Build retaining walls]]. Badly eroded slopes will continue to collapse downhill until they are stabilized. A retaining wall at the base of the slope will block the soil and slow down the collapse. This gives grass or other plants time to grow and help the soil hold together. | ||
| − | #*Give the wall a 2% slope on the side (perpendicular to the incline) so that water flows off to the side instead of pooling.<ref | + | #*Give the wall a 2% slope on the side (perpendicular to the incline) so that water flows off to the side instead of pooling.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*You may build the wall from concrete blocks, rock, or wood. Only use wood treated with a preservative to prevent rot.<ref | + | #*You may build the wall from concrete blocks, rock, or wood. Only use wood treated with a preservative to prevent rot.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Use retaining walls around flowerbeds and other raised soil areas as well. | #*Use retaining walls around flowerbeds and other raised soil areas as well. | ||
#*You may need local government approval to build these structures. | #*You may need local government approval to build these structures. | ||
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#*You can also install drip lines underground to deliver water directly to the roots. | #*You can also install drip lines underground to deliver water directly to the roots. | ||
#Avoid soil compaction. When people, animals, or machines travel over soil, they press it down, compacting the soil into a dense layer. Since there is less space between dirt particles in compacted soil, water has a hard time draining through, and carries soil on the surface downhill instead. Walk on [[Install-Pavers|paving stones]] or cleared paths instead of trampling the soil, especially when it is wet. Adding compost or manure can also help by attracting earthworms, which break the soil into looser clumps. | #Avoid soil compaction. When people, animals, or machines travel over soil, they press it down, compacting the soil into a dense layer. Since there is less space between dirt particles in compacted soil, water has a hard time draining through, and carries soil on the surface downhill instead. Walk on [[Install-Pavers|paving stones]] or cleared paths instead of trampling the soil, especially when it is wet. Adding compost or manure can also help by attracting earthworms, which break the soil into looser clumps. | ||
| − | #*Compacted soil also makes it harder for plants to become established, since the roots have trouble breaking through.<ref>http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/tillage/soil-compaction/</ref> | + | #*Compacted soil also makes it harder for plants to become established, since the roots have trouble breaking through.<ref name="rf7">http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/tillage/soil-compaction/</ref> |
#*Compaction always lead to net erosion. The water may run off of compacted soil, but as it runs off it generates more force, which can increase the erosion in other areas. | #*Compaction always lead to net erosion. The water may run off of compacted soil, but as it runs off it generates more force, which can increase the erosion in other areas. | ||
===Preventing Farmland Erosion=== | ===Preventing Farmland Erosion=== | ||
| − | #Keep soil covered year-round. Bare soil is far more vulnerable to erosion than soil with ground cover. Aim for at least 30% ground cover on all grazing land, ideally 40% or more.<ref>http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/soil/erosion/management/</ref> After harvesting crops, leave the residue on the soil as a mulch, or plant hardy winter crops. | + | #Keep soil covered year-round. Bare soil is far more vulnerable to erosion than soil with ground cover. Aim for at least 30% ground cover on all grazing land, ideally 40% or more.<ref name="rf8">http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/soil/erosion/management/</ref> After harvesting crops, leave the residue on the soil as a mulch, or plant hardy winter crops. |
| − | #Plant trees to prevent landslides. Tree roots are powerful tools when soil is too eroded or steep to plant. Plant native trees on steep slopes and riverbanks to reduce soil loss.<ref | + | #Plant trees to prevent landslides. Tree roots are powerful tools when soil is too eroded or steep to plant. Plant native trees on steep slopes and riverbanks to reduce soil loss.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#*Bare ground around the tress still needs to be covered in mulch or grass for best results. | #*Bare ground around the tress still needs to be covered in mulch or grass for best results. | ||
| − | #Reduce tillage. Deep, frequent tillage creates a layer of compact soil vulnerable to water erosion, topped by loose soil easily removed by wind.<ref>http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/node/2</ref> Consider a zero-tillage approach using a coulter or other deep planting device.<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/no-till-farming-zmaz84zloeck.aspx</ref> If this is not feasible, try a ridge-till or mulch-till system that leaves the lower soil levels untouched.<ref>https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ct/ct-1.html</ref> | + | #Reduce tillage. Deep, frequent tillage creates a layer of compact soil vulnerable to water erosion, topped by loose soil easily removed by wind.<ref name="rf9">http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/node/2</ref> Consider a zero-tillage approach using a coulter or other deep planting device.<ref name="rf10">http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/no-till-farming-zmaz84zloeck.aspx</ref> If this is not feasible, try a ridge-till or mulch-till system that leaves the lower soil levels untouched.<ref name="rf11">https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ct/ct-1.html</ref> |
#*These conservation tillage techniques also reduce the amount of vehicle traffic, and therefore soil compaction. | #*These conservation tillage techniques also reduce the amount of vehicle traffic, and therefore soil compaction. | ||
| − | #Protect weak crops with strip cropping. Crops with weak roots or that need to be sparsely planted are more vulnerable to erosion. Plant these in strips, alternating with strips of an erosion-resistant crop such as dense grass or legumes.<ref>http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs143_026280.pdf</ref> | + | #Protect weak crops with strip cropping. Crops with weak roots or that need to be sparsely planted are more vulnerable to erosion. Plant these in strips, alternating with strips of an erosion-resistant crop such as dense grass or legumes.<ref name="rf12">http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs143_026280.pdf</ref> |
#*Plant the crops so they contour the slope. | #*Plant the crops so they contour the slope. | ||
#*Plant these crops perpendicular to the prevailing wind if possible. | #*Plant these crops perpendicular to the prevailing wind if possible. | ||
#Practice wet season spelling. Grazing land cannot remain healthy and erosion-resistant if cattle are allowed to graze year-round. For best results, close off a paddock for the entire wet season to allow grasses to reestablish themselves. | #Practice wet season spelling. Grazing land cannot remain healthy and erosion-resistant if cattle are allowed to graze year-round. For best results, close off a paddock for the entire wet season to allow grasses to reestablish themselves. | ||
#*This may not be effective if the other paddocks cannot support the spelled cattle. | #*This may not be effective if the other paddocks cannot support the spelled cattle. | ||
| − | #*If possible, keep cattle away from riverbanks and heavily eroded soil at all times.<ref>http://www.capeyorkwaterquality.info/rehab-research/report/02-large-scale</ref> | + | #*If possible, keep cattle away from riverbanks and heavily eroded soil at all times.<ref name="rf13">http://www.capeyorkwaterquality.info/rehab-research/report/02-large-scale</ref> |
#Control downhill runoff with flumes. Runoff is concentrated into a narrower area as it travels across lands. The points where the concentrated runoff reaches a slope are particularly vulnerable to erosion. You can build a paved flume, or lined channel, to lead the water to a safe drainage system. Build these at gully heads as well. | #Control downhill runoff with flumes. Runoff is concentrated into a narrower area as it travels across lands. The points where the concentrated runoff reaches a slope are particularly vulnerable to erosion. You can build a paved flume, or lined channel, to lead the water to a safe drainage system. Build these at gully heads as well. | ||
| − | #*Another option is to build a swale to re-direct the runoff into a pond. Building several swales along a hillside can greatly reduce runoff volume and eliminate the need for a paved channel.<ref>http://permaculturenews.org/2015/07/24/how-to-build-a-swale-on-contour-successfully/</ref> | + | #*Another option is to build a swale to re-direct the runoff into a pond. Building several swales along a hillside can greatly reduce runoff volume and eliminate the need for a paved channel.<ref name="rf14">http://permaculturenews.org/2015/07/24/how-to-build-a-swale-on-contour-successfully/</ref> |
| − | #*Do not build flumes on slopes steeper than 1.5:1.<ref>http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/sec5bperm6.pdf</ref> | + | #*Do not build flumes on slopes steeper than 1.5:1.<ref name="rf15">http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/sec5bperm6.pdf</ref> |
#Turn a hillside into terraces. The steepest slopes are almost impossible to farm on. Turn the hill into terraces instead by [[Build-a-Retaining-Wall|building retaining walls]] running across the slope. In between the walls, [[Grade-a-Site-by-Hand|grade the soil level]] to create a flat area resistant to erosion. | #Turn a hillside into terraces. The steepest slopes are almost impossible to farm on. Turn the hill into terraces instead by [[Build-a-Retaining-Wall|building retaining walls]] running across the slope. In between the walls, [[Grade-a-Site-by-Hand|grade the soil level]] to create a flat area resistant to erosion. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Spread awareness in your community to help others fight soil erosion. Plant on bare pieces of public land. | *Spread awareness in your community to help others fight soil erosion. Plant on bare pieces of public land. | ||
| − | *Till vegetable rows across the slope, not up and down.<ref | + | *Till vegetable rows across the slope, not up and down.<ref name="rf2" /> |
*In areas with heavy wind or sandstorms, build a fence or plant a living windbreaker around your property. Trees will collect and stop sand better than a fence. | *In areas with heavy wind or sandstorms, build a fence or plant a living windbreaker around your property. Trees will collect and stop sand better than a fence. | ||
*If you are involved in a construction project, ask local government about laws and regulations related to soil erosion. | *If you are involved in a construction project, ask local government about laws and regulations related to soil erosion. | ||
