What are practical methods to prevent soil erosion?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.To combat soil erosion effectively, one must understand the natural processes and the anthropogenic processes. To reshape the earth's surface takes rain and wind; this is a natural process. Man has accelerated the processes that cause erosion. Agriculture, through excessive tilling, destroys the soil structure. Construction, through the removal of the vegetative cover, makes the soil subject to the elements.
Contour Farming
- Align crops with land contours using simple A-frame levels
- Reduces runoff 50-70% on slopes under 8% gradient
- Costs under $10/acre for basic surveying tools
Cover Crops
- Plant species like clover or rye between main crop seasons
- Lowers erosion 75% while adding nitrogen to soil
- Seed costs $15-50/acre with termination by mowing
Grassed Waterways
- Establish native grasses in natural drainage paths
- Filters 90% sediment from runoff water flows
- Installation costs $10-30 per linear meter
The steepness of the slope dictates the best approach to prevention. Gentle slopes with a slope of under 8% are best treated using contour farmingtechniques. Moderate slopes of 15-25% require terracing or use of hedgerows. Steeper slopes of 40% or more require methods of prevention, such as gabion walls if reliable protection is desired.
Use combinations for best results. Use geotextile mats with specific, deep-rooting grasses like vetiver grass. Use these with cover crops/seeding during establishment. This key combination can provide 80-95% erosion protection while being more cost-effective than single solutions.
Routine upkeep provides ongoing protection. Conduct terrace inspections after heavy rain >=50mm/hour, immediately after a rainfall event. After storm events, always replenish mulch layers for any structures. Additionally, monitor grassed waterways during the growing season. Good upkeep can add 3 to 5 times the life of solutions while maintaining their effectiveness.
Read the full article: 10 Soil Erosion Prevention Methods That Work
