Five Tips to Help Control Erosion

Erosion is caused by the elements, like wind and rain, blowing and washing away valuable topsoil. Erosion is serious as it makes it difficult for trees, plants and crops to grow. Erosion can also lead to falling banks on streams and can clog vital waterways. Erosion can turn a healthy landscape into an arid one, so steps need to be taken to control erosion and also to restore eroded land.

Plant it

One of the best ways to prevent erosion is to plant it out so that the roots of plants can act to hold the soil together. If the soil is relatively flat and hasn’t been eroded into deep gullies and channels you can quickly and easily plant grasses and groundcover to stabilise the soil immediately. You can add trees later. If gullies exist you may need to level with earthmoving equipment, which you can hire at machinery hire companies like mabeyhire.com.au/. The most important thing is to act quickly. If you are unsure what to plant you should seek the advice of a nursery in your region that will have specialist knowledge to offer.

 

Mulching

The next step is to add a layer of mulch. If seeds or small plants are in danger of being washed or blown away, a layer of mulch will help weigh them down and protect them from the elements. Mulch needs to be relatively light so it doesn’t suffocate seeds or seedlings, but heavy enough to stay in place in bad weather. Brush mats can also be used by laying out pieces of brush in a vertical pattern and then placing further brush over the top in a horizontal position. You can use wire to secure.

 

Plant Trees

The grass or groundcover is designed to provide initial protection to the soil but trees need to be planted to create a more long lasting and deeper root system to prevent erosion. Trees should be spaced out to cover the area that is threatened by erosion. Don’t choose trees that require you to dig a large hole as this will further compromise the soil. Choose fast growing trees that spread roots easily. It is a good idea to plant a row of trees around a farm or paddock to prevent the impact of the elements on soil.

 

Permanent Vegetation

Once the area has stabilised it is important to plant more permanent vegetation. Native species are the best as they will be the hardiest and are also fire resistant. Talk to your local nursery about what grows well in your area. Natives have the very best chance of surviving and remaining healthy to prevent further erosion. Native trees, shrubs, grasses and vines are all good.

 

Make a Barrier to Slow Down Runoff

You can create a physical barrier to help slow down and absorb some of the water or wind causing erosion. Barriers can be made using vegetation, rocks or a retaining wall. Sediment basins and silt fences can also be constructed to help control sediment.