Different Ways of Reinforcing Soil

Mulches and Cover Crops

• One of the best ways to reinforce soil is by covering it. When the earth is left bare, the topsoil is eroded by wind, rain and snow. Weeds quickly grow, providing some protection for the soil, but a better alternative is to mulch flower beds, paths and trees with wood chips, gravel, compost or bark. Mulch vegetable gardens with untreated grass clippings or straw. Plant groundcover plants under trees or on steep slopes where mowing is difficult. Groundcovers usually have dense roots and foliage that keep the soil in place and prevent erosion. After harvesting vegetables, plant a cover crop, such as annual rye or hairy vetch. These crops prevent erosion during the winter and provide nutrients the following spring when they are dug under in preparation for spring planting. A few even suppress weed germination.

Organic Matter

• Healthy soils are alive with microorganisms and decaying organic matter. These soils use water efficiently, provide adequate nutrients to plants and are less prone to erosion than dry, lifeless soils. Incorporate manure, compost, peat moss or shredded leaves into vegetable gardens every fall. Top dress perennial beds, trees and lawns with compost as well. The compost slowly works down into the soil and, over time, can significantly improve its texture.

Barriers

• Barriers, such as windbreaks and fences, can reinforce soil by protecting gardens from fierce winds or torrential rains. Plant living windbreaks with hedges or trees in the direction prevailing winds occur in your area to slow damaging winds. Wooden, brick and stone fences offer some protection as well. Windbreaks not only reduce soil erosion, but they protect plants from damage and reduce noise pollution.

Drainage

• Heavy rains quickly carry soil away, especially on steep slopes. Install perforated drainage pipes beneath the soil surface to catch water and divert it. Fill in low areas so water doesn't puddle, and build terraces to reinforce soil on slopes.