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Erosion Control

Soil Conservation: Everything You Need to Know

Soil conservation is a key topic in agriculture. When it comes to farming, the importance of soil conservation cannot be ignored. Various threats from unsustainable farming practices can lead to loss of soil. Fortunately, there are many methods of soil conservation.

What Is Soil Conservation?

What is soil conservation, and what are the measures of soil conservation? Soil conservation aims to prevent erosion as well as prevent loss of fertility of the soil. There are a variety of measures you can take to conserve soil and prevent these detrimental effects.

Soil erosion is a problem because when topsoil is lost, nutrients that are necessary for plants to survive are also lost. Topsoil lost from agricultural areas generally holds pesticides and fertilizers, and when these enter water systems, they can destroy the systems’ delicate ecologies.

Soil conservation encompasses a variety of techniques. These techniques and methods all work to preserve the soil’s fertility and prevent erosion.

What Are the Threats to Soil Conservation?

Though soil protection may not receive as much attention in the media as the conservation of oceans, forests, or energy, it is essential for agriculture. Most of the threats to soil conservation come from unsustainable farming practices. A few common threats to soil conservation include chemical contamination, slash and burn farming, and land overuse.

Chemical Contamination

Chemical fertilizers can harm soil when used in excess. A plant uses only a small amount of fertilizer. If it is using only a fraction of the fertilizer that’s applied, the residual chemicals then alter the healthy balance of the soil, making it unable to sustain life.

Pesticides also create problems in the soil. While they do kill off harmful insects, pesticides also harm beneficial organisms the soil needs to remain healthy.

Additionally, fertilizers and pesticides contaminate runoff. The contaminated runoff can then cause damage to surrounding water ecosystems.

Slash and Burn Farming

Slash and burn is a common agricultural technique to modify wildlands so that they are suitable for farming. When farmers use this technique, they cut down huge swaths of trees. Then, they burn the residual vegetation. This practice creates a layer of ash that makes the area of land fertile for agriculture, but the effect is temporary. After farming depletes the nutrients from the soil, that area is abandoned. Farmers then repeat the process.

The practice of slash and burn farming negatively impacts soil conservation. When people remove trees and vegetation from an area, the act also removes the root structures that hold topsoil in its place. Further, once there are no longer nutrients from ash, the soil cannot sustain life.

Land Overuse

If crops are repeatedly cultivated in an area, the soil eventually becomes infertile. Tilling, one of the cultivation processes, takes out essential micronutrients that are essential for life, including nitrogen, iron, and phosphorous. The land becomes unhealthy and unbalanced after repetitive cultivation depletes the area’s topsoil.

What Are Some Methods and Techniques for Soil Conservation?

Unsustainable farming can lead to soil loss and a decrease in soil fertility. Throughout history, people have developed a variety of soil conservation methods that seek to preserve the level of nutrients in the soil and prevent erosion. Learning how to conserve soil is important for anyone who farms.

Terrace Farming

The terracing method involves carving many flat-leveled areas into a hill. The terraces then form steps, and a mud wall prevents runoff and keeps soil nutrients in the beds. Less-developed places often use this method because it is difficult to use mechanized farming equipment in the terraces.

Perimeter Runoff Control

Soil conservationists can turn to planting to protect their soil. With perimeter runoff control, you plant trees, shrubs, and ground cover around the farmland’s perimeter. This impedes surface flows, and it holds nutrients in the farmed soil. Using grass is a specialized method of handling perimeter runoff that utilizes surface friction to channel and then dissipate runoff.

Windbreaks

Other soil conservation practices rely on trees. Rows of tall trees arranged in dense patterns around farmland are called windbreaks. This technique prevents wind erosion. You may choose evergreen trees for protection throughout the year. Deciduous trees can also work as long as they have foliage when the soil is bare.

Cover Crops and Crop Rotation

Cover crops, like radishes and turnips, prevent soil erosion. Farmers can rotate the cover crops with cash crops to keep their soil blanketed throughout the year. This method suppresses weeds and creates green manure, which replenishes critical nutrients like nitrogen.

Agrostological Measures

Plant grass in areas that are heavily eroded to increase the soil’s nutrient levels. Ley farming cultivates grass in rotation with regular crops. If soil is heavily eroded, you should allow grass to grow for years so that the soil can naturally repair itself.

Contour Plowing

The contour plowing farming method originated in ancient Phoenicia and is an effective way of farming on slopes. It calls for plowing grooves into the land you want to farm. Then, plant the crop furrows in these grooves, following the contours.

Keyline Design

Keyline design is an enhanced version of contour plowing. Keylines are the topographic feature that is linked to water flow. The method allows for maximum water retention by considering watershed properties when creating contour lines. Water runs off right into an existing water channel, which stops soil erosion that the water would otherwise cause.

No-Till Farming

Instead of changing the topography of soil with contouring or tilling, you can use no-till farming. This farming technique increases the amount of water that penetrates the soil. It can increase the amount of organic matter that’s in the soil, which results in larger yields.

Soil Conservation Farming

Soil conservation farming is a combination of farming methods. It tries to mimic the biology of the land before it is farmed. Farmers can eliminate nitrogen fertilizer and fungicides to increase their yields and to shield crops from flooding or drought. These practices can prevent the erosion of soil, restore soil that has been damaged, and encourage the growth of plants.

Understanding the threats to soil as well as the ways to preserve nutrients in the soil and prevent erosion is key to maintaining an area. There are many methods farmers can employ to conserve soil.

Best Methods for Water Runoff Control

Damage caused by water runoff can quickly turn a beautiful garden into a muddy marsh. Water carries soil, wood chips, grass clippings, and other debris that can cause erosion and pollute public water. If you’re looking to preserve the structural integrity of your landscape and avoid erosion, try one of these ideas for better water runoff control. 

Berm

A berm is a small hill covered with rocks, grass, and other plants that divert water around an area you’d like to protect. Water flows toward the berm from one direction, and on the opposite side is the area you’re protecting. A berm is a good option for a relatively quick fix to water runoff control. Make sure to follow a detailed guide when building a berm. 

Swale

A swale is a shallow depression that follows the natural contour of a slope, diverting water from one place to another. Rocks in the swale help slow the speed of water, allowing it to sink into the soil. Swales are also used to direct water toward a dry well or around the base of a house (to avoid basement flooding). You can enhance a swale by using a landscaping blanket, compost filter sock, or other product to increase effectiveness. 

Sediment Control Products

A number of products on the market assist with water runoff control. The list can be somewhat overwhelming, including types of liners, cloth, filter systems, blankets, mesh baskets, barriers, turf, mulch, mats, and much more. But not all products are created equal, and it’s important to do your research to find the best fit for your garden or landscape issue. 

If your problem is minimal water runoff and significant sediment buildup, you could try a compost filter sock. This is a great option if you have some water runoff but want to control erosion without disturbing the ground in an area with established vegetation. 

Permeable Hardscape

Hardscape encompasses the man-made features of landscape architecture, such as paths or driveways. If one of your problems has been water moving over or around hardscape, you might consider installing paving materials that have small gaps to allow water to seep through them. This will keep the surface dry while eliminating runoff. Small-scale jobs, such as permeable walkways, can be DIY projects, but you might need to hire professionals to tackle a driveway or other large project. 

Grade Broad Surfaces

Landscape grading is the basis of landscape design and can help significantly with water runoff control. This is a more expensive option, which will require an excavator or rental equipment. However, if you need extreme water runoff control — perhaps your basement is continually flooded — then it’s an essential step. 

With so many products on the market to address water runoff control, the options are practically endless. Luckily, this means you’ll be able to stop excess water runoff and get the most out of your  landscape. Explore the options to find out which products would work best to address the water runoff issues you’re facing.

How Does Soil Erosion Affect Soil Fertility

The usual image that comes to mind when thinking about erosion is beach erosion and other areas where the land has very noticeable changes due to erosion. It’s often straightforward to see the impact that erosion has on these areas because there are visible changes to the landscape. Soil erosion can result in changes that aren’t visible that can have just as devastating an impact as a beach disappearing over time. 

As a gardener, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to deal with soil erosion, as it can harm the fertility of the soil in your garden.

What is Soil Fertility?

Soil fertility is the concept of how well the soil can provide a habitat for life. Rich, fertile soil is the home of diverse organisms and is able to grow a variety of plants that result in a plentiful harvest of top-quality fruits and vegetables. A backyard garden that has fertile soil doesn’t need any amendments to it to ensure that your crop does well. A garden that has soil fertility issues will struggle to yield a quality harvest.

What Factors Contribute to Soil Fertility?

Several factors contribute to soil fertility. The soil needs to be deep enough for roots to grow and water to be retained in it. Weak root growth or water that evaporates too quickly will result in plants that don’t thrive. There also needs to be some drainage in the soil. More clay-based soils can result in poor drainage. This drainage issue can result in plants having their roots rot, and often ends in the plant dying. Also, drainage issues often mean that the soil is too hard without aeration for the roots.

The amount of organic matter that is found in the soil is also essential. Organic matter helps with soil structure and moisture, along with putting minerals and nutrients into the soil. A lack of organic matter will often result in plants that are probably not getting the right mix of nutrients to grow. Fertile soil also has the perfect pH. It should range from 5.5 to 7.0 for most plants. There are some plants, such as blueberries, that prefer soil outside of this pH range, but for most plants, this range is the sweet spot.

Another aspect of soil fertility is the other organisms in the soil. Some gardeners think of every organism that invades their garden as a pest or a problem that needs to be eradicated, but that’s not always the case. There are beneficial microorganisms that live in the soil that help plants grow, such as mycorrhizae. Poor soil quality often results in the death or migration of these microorganisms. 

Why is Soil Fertility Important?

Often, when there are issues with the growth of a plant or the harvest, there are two potential causes. One is pests, while the other is soil fertility. Soil fertility is vital for the soil to provide the perfect medium for any plants to grow. Problems with the fertility of the soil will show up during the growing season. Gardeners may find that their seedlings don’t grow as they should or that the leaves of the plants are yellowing when they should be a healthy green. The fertility of the soil must be addressed to help treat any issues and prevent them from occurring again in the future.

How Does Erosion Affect Soil Fertility?

Soil erosion can have an impact on soil fertility. The soil in your garden is in layers that have been deposited over time. Often, the top layer that you plant your garden in is called topsoil. Erosion erases away the top layers of the topsoil over time. As topsoil is often one of the most fertile areas, you’re losing some of the qualities that make your soil fertile. Loss of soil fertility can be a huge problem for gardeners that can’t be ignored.

Testing Your Soil

One of the first things that should be done if you think there’s a problem with the fertility of your soil is to test it. Testing is a valuable tool that can help you address any lack of nutrients or minerals in the soil that’s impacting your crops or flowers. There are two options when it comes to testing. 

You can pick up a DIY kit that allows you to take several samples from around your garden and test the soil yourself. These kits can require that you follow the directions exactly to get the correct results, so it is imperative to read the instructions carefully a few times before you get started. 

The other option is to send your soil samples off to a lab to have them tested for you. For this option, you’ll need to collect the soil using the directions they send. Usually, these directions are that you have to collect at an appropriate depth and in several areas to get an overall feel for your soil’s health.

Once you receive the test results, you can use them to amend the soil as needed. You may find that you need a general application of fertilizer to boost the nutrients in the soil or that you need only one particular nutrient. Problems with pH can also be found at this time. 

Soil Fertility Assistance

After you’ve tested the soil, you should also look into the physical nature of the soil. How deep does your garden bed go down? Does your soil contain clay? When it rains, does your garden become a muddy mess? Any of these issues should be adjusted. For instance, you can add lighter amendments to the soil that’s high in clay.

Soil erosion can cause issues with your garden and how well it will grow over the season. Adding minerals and nutrients to it may be necessary if the erosion has taken away too much of what makes your soil fertile. Testing your soil is one of the best methods of ensuring that your soil remains viable for this growing season and beyond. 

Landscape Netting for Slopes

If it seems impossible to keep your growing space seeded due to adverse conditions, then you might need landscape netting for slopes. Landscape netting is beneficial for shielding and keeping seeds in place and is easy to install in gardens or landscaped areas.

What Is Landscape Netting?

In certain areas, such as on slopes or hills, vegetation might not grow well due to many factors. The seeds might not be able to stay in one place because of the slope, or the area might be affected by wind or water erosion. Thus, landscape netting protects the seeds and keeps them from being swept away by water or windy conditions.

Additionally, birds or other animals might be eating the seeds, leaving fewer to grow into plants. Because landscape netting defends the seeds, they can grow and flourish into seedlings and, ultimately, mature plants. Without protection from landscape netting, the seeds and seedlings might never have the chance to reach full maturity.

Landscape Netting Uses and Applications

Landscape netting is manufactured in many shapes and sizes. Typically, it’s made of coir (the durable, all-natural fibers from coconut husks), jute, straw, or synthetic materials. If you’re concerned about your ecological footprint, you could use a coir, jute, or straw variety of landscape netting for slopes, as these materials are all biodegradable and eco-friendly thanks to their natural fibers.

It’s wise to use landscape netting for slopes and other areas characterized by hilly terrain. In addition to slopes, landscape netting can also be advantageous in areas prone to erosion. You can apply landscape netting to small areas as well as large-scale landscaping or agricultural projects. No matter where you install the landscape netting, you can be confident in its ability to maintain and control erosion.

How to Use Landscape Netting for Slopes

First, prepare the installation area by removing any debris, and then compact the soil. Next, you will need to till the top few inches of soil where you’re installing the netting. Now you’re ready to plant and seed the area as you would normally. It’s important to dig a small trench at the top of the slope to secure the landscape netting in place. Once you have secured the netting to the trench using staples or stakes, backfill the trench and compact the surrounding soil. 

The next step is to unroll the landscape netting from the trench and down the slope. Keep pulling the netting taut, as it should be flat against the soil. After the netting covers the slope, anchor it to the soil. Finally, you’ll need to dig another trench at the bottom of the slope to hold the end of the netting so it doesn’t shift. Don’t forget to water the slope thoroughly once you’ve finished installing the netting. Over time, the netting will degrade into the soil.

Landscape netting has many advantages and will assist you in growing any kind of vegetation in any environment. Try landscape netting for slopes to keep your seeds safe from the elements.

Methods for Applying Grass Seed Netting in Your Garden

One of the most important functions of grass is to hold soil in place so that it’s not swept away by wind or water. Under certain conditions, grass seeds need extra help to stay firmly in place, and grass seed netting can be used to ensure they aren’t carried away by turbulent weather.

What Is Grass Seed Netting?

Grass seed netting is a covering that you place over grass seeds to protect them from animals and harsh weather conditions. In addition, grass seed netting is useful for keeping seeds in place if you’ve planted them on a hill or in an area that has been affected by erosion. Grass seed netting can be made of coir, jute, straw, or synthetic fibers.

The Advantages of Using Grass Seed Netting

Grass seed netting protects the seeds by preventing birds and other animals from eating them. Grass seed netting made of coir is sustainable and eco-friendly, and, as the grass grows, the netting will begin to biodegrade on its own. Over time, the coir fibers will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. They are wholly organic and won’t leave behind waste products. Thanks to the highly absorbent coir fibers, coir netting retains valuable moisture that the seeds need to grow. In addition to their absorptive qualities, coir fibers also provide adequate drainage for plants.

Grass seed netting is good tool to control erosion on slopes and hilly terrain. The netting holds the soil and grass in place and stops them from being washed away by water or wind. The netting allows the grass to grow and flourish, and the new growth helps prevent further erosion.

Installation

If you’re using grass seed netting on a flat area, you’ll need to till the area before planting the grass seeds. After you have tilled the ground and planted the seeds, you can cover the area with the grass seed netting. It’s better to start at one end of the installation area and lay out the netting evenly. Anchor the netting to the soil with staples or stakes, and, after this, you’re finished.

Similarly, if you’re planting on a hill or a slope, you’ll need to till the soil before planting the grass seed. After that, dig a trench across the top of the installation area. This is where you’ll anchor the grass seed netting. Next, lay the netting in the trench, anchor it with stakes or staples, and then backfill the trench. 

Unroll the netting across the top of the trench and down the slope, anchor it to the ground, and pull the netting until it is taut. Dig another trench at the bottom of the installation area and anchor the bottom of the netting to that trench. Finally, water the area well so that the grass can grow.

Now that you’re familiar with grass seed netting, its benefits, and the steps involved in installing it, you’re ready to go. Use grass seed netting to keep your seeds in place and control erosion in your garden or landscaping.