The Purpose of Soil Erosion

Causes

• Any force that moves soil can potentially cause soil erosion. Wind, running water and excavation during home and building construction are common causes. Sandy or silt soils have fine particles and erode more quickly than heavy clay soils.

Damage

• Soil erosion removes the fertile topsoil, the soil most beneficial for plant growth. When Canadian researchers removed topsoil from fields in Canada, crop yields were reduced 31 to 86 percent, according to Purdue University. Soil erosion can also carry silt into waterways and storm drains, resulting in increased maintenance costs. Fertilizer and herbicides are carried into streams and rivers, where they harm aquatic life.

Identification

• Watch how water behaves on your property during a storm. Do gutters efficiently slow water flow and distribute it away from the home's foundation, or does water gush in torrents? Small valleys in the soil, or dirt on the pavement, may indicate that rainwater is eroding the soil. If you live in an area prone to high winds, soil may be slowly eroded due to wind force.

Solutions

• Cover all bare ground with mulch, sod, ground cover plants and perennials to reduce soil erosion. Install and position rain gutters to effectively disperse water so it doesn't carry soil away. Install terraces and drainage systems on slopes with a 50-percent or greater grade. Plant hedges and windbreaks to reduce wind damage.