Soil erosion is growing at an alarming rate, and human activities are the major cause behind it. Deforestation, habitat loss, and agricultural activities are the major drivers of rapid soil erosion. Regardless of the reasons, it is high time we take steps towards preventing erosion.
Although governments and dedicated organizations do their own part, individuals can also contribute towards erosion control. Here is how:
Plant Vegetation With Deep Roots
Nearly 420 million hectares of forest have been lost since 1990. Rapid deforestation is causing the loss of a massive 10 million hectares of forests each year. Soil erosion is one of the major consequences of deforestation. So, we need to plant vegetation, especially with deep roots.
Deep roots of plans can hold the soil in place. This method of controlling erosion is effective, particularly in areas near streams, rivers, hillsides and more, which are susceptible to erosion.
Vegetation forms barriers that impede water flow because of their thick, densely concerted stems. It causes the water to run off slowly without leading to erosion.
Some of the most suitable plants for erosion control are wildflowers, native prairie grasses, and woody perennials.
Reforestation
Another way to prevent soil erosion is to protect the existing ecosystem and restore the degraded one. Removing forest covers results in increased earth flow initiated by a lack of forest canopy as well as a dense network of interwoven roots in the subsoil.
Reforestation can successfully stabilize actively eroding gullies, shallow landslides, and earth flows. So, it is a great way for erosion control.
Apply Mulches
Mulching is one of the best practices for temporary erosion control. It refers to the application of organic mulch materials, such as organic residue, chips, straw, wood, gravel, and compost.
Mulch prevents the detachment of soil particles, slows runoff velocity, and retails the soil’s moisture to improve germination and establishment of vegetative cover. This practice is ideal as a temporary control on exposed soils where soil landscaping or grading has occurred.
Improve Drainage
Soil erosions occur when strong wind or water carries away the soil’s upper layer, resulting in its deterioration. Besides leading to the loss of topsoil, erosion may be hazardous for waterways and marine life.
A well-designed and well-maintained drainage system allows excess water to flow away to a safe outlet or containment area while still maintaining enough water in the soil for plants to thrive. This further results in the prevention of soil erosion. Otherwise, water pools in low-lying areas, making them vulnerable to flooding and soil erosion.
No-till Farming
When it comes to soil preservation, no-till farming is far more advantageous than tillage-based farming. No-till farming keeps the soil structure intact and leaves crop residue on the soil surface. A good soil structure enhances the soil’s ability to infiltrate and absorb water, eventually lowering soil erosion and runoff.
Avoid Soil Compaction
Continuously walking over soil presses it, thus consolidating it into a hard layer. The resulting less space between the compact soil practices causes a hard time for water to drain through, thus carrying topsoil downhill.
It is important to make a way on cleared pathways or paving stones rather than soil trampling. Adding compost or manure also attracts worms, which break the soil clumps.
