Landscape Maintenance - Soil Erosion
About Soil Erosion
Overview
Soil erosion is the dislodgement of soil particles which is caused by heavy rainfall, wind and snow fall. Soil erosion can be a minor process which becomes unnoticed and causes alarming and serious affects to top soil once discovered. Many factors which contribute to soil erosion include:
- Soil Compaction
- Low Organic Matter
- No Soil Structure
- Poor Irrigation and Drainage
- Soil Acid Problems
Each factor heavily contributes to soil becoming eroded and they can assist to accelerate the soil erosion process with the contribution of rain, wind and snow. However soil erosion is a natural process which in some cases is necessary for landscaping and land vitality.
Soil Erodibilty
Soil erodibility is an estimate of the soils ability to be resistant to soil erosion based on many characteristics of the actual soil itself. Soils with high infiltration levels, high levels of organic matter and great soil structure are highly likely to be resistant to soil erosion. Finer grains of soil contain a high content of sand are more likely to become eroded. So if your land is more likely to erode then consider using a soil which can be soil erosion resistant to further prevent erosion. Soil Erosion Consequences
Soil erosion can be devastating for farm and residential property owners. If soil erosion is not controlled then the following consequences will occur;
- Plants, trees and flowers will be deprived of nutrients from soil because the soil will not be able to contain moisture due to erosion.
- The loss of soil material will cause reduced depth for plant and vegetation roots which will lead to plant and vegetation death.
- Plants will not grow to the full capacity because of no organic cycling caused from soil erosion.
Vegetation and Mulch Help Prevent Soil Erosion
There are many common forms of soil erosion control methods but one which is highly recommended and natural is using vegetation and mulch. If rainfall, wind and ice which are the most common destructive elements which cause erosion have no direct access to soil then t he impact of the rainfall will not be as harsh on the soil because the soil will be protected by the vegetation and mulch in which you have covered your soil with. Vegetation can be large or small plants and trees and mulch is great for the garden and also provides a protective top coating for the soil. Mulch will soak in the rainfall and eventually let it pass through to the soil. Vegetation will also soak in the water whilst some water will also flow off into the soil, but not at full impact.
Soil Erosion Control
Protecting your land investment, residential property or farm or rural property controlling soil erosion will help you easily manage and rid of soil erosion problems. By controlling soil erosion on your property you will benefit because:
- Crop yields will sustain and improve in growth
- Drainage costs will be low
- Nutrients and chemicals will be retained when applied
- Hazards will not occur if soil erosion is not present
- Water quality will improve dramatically
- Soil structure will be maintained and healthy
It is important to have a soil erosion plan in action if your property is affected.
