Soil Erosion Techniques

Site Control

• Erosion from wind or rain mainly occurs in areas with bare ground. One effective method for controlling erosion during construction projects and gardening is limiting the area of soil left bare to the elements. Advance planning allows you to determine the minimum amount of space and materials you will need. Plan accordingly to limit the amount of space susceptible to erosion and the length of time it is exposed to the elements.

Vegetative Cover

• Quick-growing plants are often used to stabilize soil around construction sites and other erodible areas. Rapidly growing annual varieties of grass, including species of rye and fescue, are common forms of temporary ground cover used to prevent erosion. More permanent solutions suitable for locations on a steep grade include bushes, trees and other large plants. To ensure the success and rapid growth of ground cover, test soil samples from the area before exposing it to the elements, and apply fertilizer and other nutrients as necessary.

Temporary Barriers

• Straw bales anchored to the ground are an effective means of preventing erosion. This technique is most often used in construction areas where the main concern is preventing soil from traveling offsite. This type of barrier uses a line of anchored straw bales located downhill from the construction area to stop eroded soil from the site from entering nearby streams and other sensitive areas. This type of barrier is most effective if used within less than 100 feet of the construction zone and anchored in a shallow ditch. This barrier is usually effective for approximately three months at a time.

Runoff Diversions

• Diversions encompass several techniques designed to contain soil-laden runoff. The two most common types of diversion are the swale and the dike. A swale is essentially a ditch or channel that is used to divert runoff from a hill in a specific direction. Swales are typically 1 foot deep and 4 to 6 feet wide, with sloped walls. Swales are often stabilized using a combination of ground cover and matting anchored to the ground. Dikes are mounds of compact dirt measuring between 1.5 and 3 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width. Dikes use a combination of secured matting, ground cover and mulch to protect them from erosion.

Applications

• Site control and preplanning are useful methods for limiting erosion at any site. Vegetative ground cover is useful for preventing erosion from gardens and construction sites during the winter. Physical barriers, including straw, fencing and diversions, are useful for controlling runoff from construction areas and gardens during rainy seasons when vegetative ground cover fails to take hold or is not yet established. Dikes and swales are often useful for gardens located on hillsides, as a permanent solution for preventing runoff from removing topsoil and nutrients from your garden.