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How to Stabilize Soil

Soil erosion can be a very serious problem. It occurs all over the world and can be caused as a result of heavy rain, the melting of ice or strong winds. Human activity and building can also result in soil erosion. There are a few ways you can stabilize the soil on your property, however. If your garden or yard is affected by soil erosion, then you should take steps to find a solution. Erosion can leave soil depleted in nutrients and unable to support plant life. It can also cause trees to become unstable and even houses and buildings to subside.

Things You'll Need

  • Seeds, bulbs and trees
  • Bark or wood chips
  • Guttering
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plant as many flowers, vegetables, herbs and trees as possible over the area of land affected by erosion. Plants with very deep roots in particular are good for stabilizing soil, as they hold greater volumes of soil together. Acacias are good examples of long-rooted plants. Low-growing native plants are also an excellent choice for areas that have problems with erosion.

    • 2

      Mulch using a thick layer of organic material such as bark or wood chips over any area that is not planted. You can also use matting to cover areas that don't have any plants. Make sure you use a mat made of wooden fibers, as man-made fibers can harm the soil and are not beneficial for the environment.

    • 3

      Install effective guttering around your home, as rainwater can cause further erosion if it is not routed away from structures. Gutters and downpipes should be well-maintained and cleaned regularly so they do not get blocked with leaves and other debris.

    • 4

      Turn off the sprinkler system. Often gardens and yards are over-watered as hosepipes and sprinklers are left on too long. Only water your garden when absolutely necessary to help control an excess water problem.