SoilErosion.com

Soil Erosion Problems and Solutions

Coir wattles

Products to Help Prevent Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is usually caused by one of two environmental events — wind or water.

Wind erosion occurs in flat, bare areas where land may have recently been cultivated or in dry, sandy areas where soil might be loose or unstable. Wind erosion lifts soil particles into the air and deposits sediment over great distances. Preventing soil erosion due to wind involves stabilizing the soil, increasing its moisture content, and encouraging it to form clumps and clods, making it more difficult to move.

Soil erosion caused by water produces drastic changes across a landscape. As surface soil is washed away, vital nutrients go with it, compromising seed and plant growth. Cultivated land is susceptible to sheet erosion when the soil becomes overwhelmed by the rush of water and can’t absorb moisture or filter the water. Combatting erosion from water involves shoring up ditches and culverts, as well as creating dams to divert water’s progress or slow it down.

Causes of Soil Erosion

Rainfall and runoff contribute to soil erosion by carrying soil away and leaving behind sediment, pesticides, and fertilizers in its path. Wind does much the same, except dust clouds from suspension erosion can travel vast distances to blanket regions or smother crops with sediment.

Soil’s vulnerability to erosion might dictate how extensive damage might be but may also provide clues to preventing erosion or minimizing its impacts.

Slope length, land topography, and elevation contribute to soil erosion. Mudslides are a common sight when erosion from water sends sheets of topsoil to slide over itself and dislodge. Accumulating structures like sand dunes created from deposits left from wind erosion are likely to be lifted and carried into the air over and over during a wind event.

Vegetation, or the lack of it, plays a vital role in keeping soil stable and stationary. Roots from growing plants help bind soil together to make it harder to move. Trees can provide soil protection from the wind by making it more difficult for wind to reach the soil.

Effects of Soil Erosion

Economic impacts include crop loss, loss of soil fertility, and repairs or restorations to regions affected by soil erosion. Infrastructure might be weakened and roadways compromised due to accumulating sediment or runoff.

The environmental impacts of soil erosion can be seen in several influences. Wind erosion might strip the land of its topsoil surface and compromise substructures or rooting plants. Water erosion can stress rivers and streams and cause their protective banks to collapse under water’s driving force. 

In regard to the impacts on human health, wind erosion can cause dust and dirt particles to be lifted into the air and possibly blown through windows, exacerbating allergies or upper-respiratory issues. Water erosion compromises agriculture and might result in low-quality produce. Both types of erosion wash away fertilizers and pesticides, carrying them over the land to deposit in rivers or streams or via wind, tainting air and water quality. 

Preventative Measures

Today’s market offers many soil erosion control products in varying applications that can help minimize the impact. Whether their use is for road construction or to provide stabilization and filtration, there are products that can meet and exceed expectations. 

Geotextiles help control erosion and come in several different shapes, types, and textures depending on the purpose it will serve. Geotextiles come in three main forms: woven, non-woven, and coir. These textiles are useful in the preventative practices of strip farming and terracing.

Woven Geotextiles

Woven geotextiles and fabrics are made from several different fiber types. Their tight construction stabilizes soil and are effective for erosion control. These geotextiles are often used in road construction and shoreline erosion control. Woven geotextiles are put to work in regions of heavy erosion, in riprap, and on embankments and slopes to minimize runoff and wall collapse.

Non-woven Geotextiles

Non-woven geotextiles are used for their smooth, felt-like surface that allows water to flow through the fabric while still filtering particles. Non-woven geotextiles are used in areas that require subsurface filtration and stabilization and provide adequate drainage. Non-woven geotextiles are often found in asphalt overlays and in the understructure of ponds. 

Coir textiles

Coir textiles are made from the husk of the coconut and provide a natural solution to erosion control. Coir textiles allow for deep rooting and provide nutrients to support the growth and development of vegetation. Coir supplies adequate aeration and drainage to allow for permanent vegetation to grow through. Coir works to hold seeds and saplings in place and is safe for wildlife. Coir needs no chemical treatment. 

Coir is used to create check dams — small dam constructions across ditches or swales to slow the flow of water or divert its movement. It also adds to existing contours in order to build up the land or fill rills or gullies. Because coir’s life span is two to five years, it is used for short-term, temporary, and semi-permanent solutions. Coir comes in various forms in order to utilize it to its full potential. 

  • Coir wattles create a natural barrier to filter water. Coir wattles are used for their strength and filtration qualities and make wattles ideal for new construction sites to minimize impact. They’re also found in restoration projects to help prevent future damage.
  • Coir erosion control blankets are used to increase soil stability. They are effective in decreasing the effects of wind and water erosion and are often used on slopes or areas sensitive to erosion. In climates where there is a lot of shade or cold temperatures increase seed germination time, coir erosion blankets are used to protect and nurture seeds.
  • Coir logs work in the same way as wattles and blankets, but their shape makes them ideal for use in areas of erosion and runoff such as hills, banks, and shorelines.

More is understood today about how soil erosion impacts the environment, economy, and health. With this knowledge in mind, products on the market are designed to perform various functions in order to stem the tide and offset the wind.

Best Uses for Geotextile Fabric

Geotextile fabric is a type of material commonly used in construction and erosion control projects to improve the characteristics of the soil being worked with. This allows construction to take place in locations which might not otherwise be accessible.

Traditionally, geotextile fabrics are made of synthetic materials or combined with asphalt or other non-porous materials to increase their strength and filtration abilities. Non-woven geotextile fabrics are most commonly used to prevent groundwater pollution from construction projects and are also most commonly combined with asphalt, rubber, or other materials.

Geotextile Fabric Uses

Geotextile fabrics have several applied uses:

  • Protection – Geotextile fabrics are ideal for protecting easily eroded locations, including beaches. Their versatility means they can even be placed underwater if necessary, preventing erosion from wave currents.
  • Reinforcement – Heavier-density geotextiles can be used to reinforce weak or loose soil in construction sites or areas where the land cannot support agricultural growth on its own.
  • Filtration – One of the most common uses of geotextile fabric is filtration; that is, allowing water to pass through while keeping sediments from polluting natural water sources.
  • Separation – Most commonly seen in road construction, geotextile fabric is used to keep different types of soil from mixing. For example, a geotextile fabric layer may be placed between a coarse aggregate and a finer sub-grade aggregate, keeping the two separate and ensuring the stability of both.
  • Drainage – Another widespread use of geotextile fabrics is drainage. This is different from filtration, as geotextile fabrics used for drainage catch rainwater or other naturally produced water and diffuse it into the soil. This can help prevent flooding.

Using Coir as a Geotextile Fabric

Recent research into using coir, the fibrous part of a coconut’s husk, as a geotextile has shown promising results. Coir fiber is relatively strong and maintains water saturation, which can be essential in drier climates. It’s also cost-effective; the high supply of coir compared to the demand makes coir geotextile fabrics relatively inexpensive.

One of the most substantial benefits of coir as a geotextile fabric is its eco-friendly nature. As a biodegradable geotextile, it adds nutrients to the soil naturally over time while simultaneously encouraging plant growth. It’s resistant to rot, fungus, and bacteria that may otherwise damage or kill plant life, whether it be in your garden or as part of a comprehensive erosion control program.

When used in civil engineering projects, coir geotextile fabrics have been shown to have high durability and strength, resisting compression and adding value to the soil. Coir geotextiles have been used as part of the foundation of both paved and unpaved roads in India, and have also seen great success in slope erosion control and topsoil retention.

Whether you’re using coir on a personal level; for example, to keep your garden healthy and encourage moisture retention, or are hoping for a more eco-friendly alternative to the synthetic geotextiles that are currently available, we highly recommend exploring possible options for coir geotextile fabrics.

Effective Ways to Control Soil Erosion

Erosion can cause devastating damage to your home, property, or construction site, which is why finding an effective way to control erosion is a primary concern for anyone hoping to preserve a landscape or complete a successful build on solid ground.

Before you tackle the erosion itself, however, it’s important to understand the definition of erosion, what causes erosion, what type of erosion you’re dealing with, and how to choose the best method for controlling it.

What Is Erosion?

You were probably introduced to a rudimentary erosion definition as a kid, but how much do you really know about this complex process?

In a nutshell, scientists define erosion as a process by which the surface of the earth gets worn down either by natural elements like ice and wind or by manmade interactions such as poor land management techniques at a faster rate than the soil or rock is formed.

When only natural elements are involved, erosion is generally a slow process that can create massively impressive formations. The Grand Canyon is an extreme example of steady, prolonged erosion.

Other erosion examples include:

  • Caves.
  • Riverbanks.
  • Coastlines.
  • Cracks in rocks.
  • Landslides.

Some of the most devastating types of erosion involve people’s homes and properties. Remember the infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930s?

The Dust Bowl occurred because people moved to the Great Plains and started plowing the land, which was never ideal for farming. After a few short droughts, people mistakenly believed there would be enough rainfall to sustain future crops, so they broke up the prairie soil and destroyed native grasses in order to plant wheat.

Unfortunately, a 10-year drought settled over the prairie which quickly dried up the topsoil. Once all that freshly planted wheat died, there was nothing left to hold the soil in place.

As a result, a series of dust storms swept through and damaged the prairie’s ecology and agriculture. Entire farms were covered with sand and turned to desert. Cattle were found dead with dust coating their stomachs. Residents coughed up clumps of dirt from breathing in dust. The effect was so extensive that dust storms blew Kansas soil all the way to New York City.

To this day, the prairie region hasn’t fully recovered. And the entire event could have been avoided if settlers had accounted for the region’s history of droughts, utilized different farming methods, and not overworked or stripped the land.

Sure, the Dust Bowl is an extreme example of an erode definition, but it’s given us a clearer understanding of the importance of responsible agricultural practices and construction techniques that can help us become better stewards of our environment.

Types of Erosion

Now that you have a better understanding of this natural process, you’re probably wondering what causes erosion? Land erosion happens in a variety of ways, the main ones being:

  • Water Erosion
  • Wind Erosion
  • Glacier Erosion
  • Permafrost Erosion
  • Human Cause Erosion

Water Erosion

Water erosion results from flowing water removing soil material. The soil can be impacted by raindrops, suspended in runoff, or affected by ocean waves. Both the chemicals in the water and the force that make up the flow can break down rocks and change the shape of riverbanks.

There are four types of accelerated water erosion:

  • Sheet erosion, which occurs when soil particles resting on a downslope are impacted and detached by rainwater. The soil detaches in a sheet-like formation that flows overland as a whole piece or uniform layer. Imagine pulling a sheet of sod across the yard and that’s pretty much what sheet erosion looks like. Sheet erosion typically occurs on sites with poorly consolidated soil material, such as a recently plowed field.
  • Rill erosion, which refers to soil removal through cutting or tilling numerous channels where runoff can concentrate, resulting in soil loss and eroded fields.
  • Gully erosion, which results from water cutting into the soil along the flow line, exposing natural drainage-ways, vehicle ruts, animal trails, and crop rows. Common farm equipment cannot cross deep gullies.
  • Tunnel erosion, which is the movement of excess water through a dispersive subsoil such as old root holes, animal burrows, or surface cracks.

Wind Erosion

Although the wind might not be strong in your area, wind can still transfer light objects like pebbles and rocks until they run into landforms. Over time, these tiny particles can start to erode whatever they hit.

Glacier Erosion

Also known as ice erosion, glacier erosion occurs when huge bodies of ice transfer big chunks of rock. The combination of ice, water, and sediment creates one impressive eroding entity.

Permafrost Erosion

In northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere, there is currently an accelerating problem of the permafrost melting, and eroding into lakes and sinkholes. Permafrost is the historically “permanently frozen soil”. The frozen ice is actually a constituent of the soil itself, lending structure and rigidity to the silt-rich soil.

Due to climate change, the ice is melting, leaving a very unstable layer of loamy or silty soil which is carbon-rich and contains ancient microorganisms. As the microorganisms reanimate, they produce gases such as methane, which erupt from the soil and create voids which fill with melted water and quickly form new lakes or sinkholes. The Siberian tundra is currently experiencing this phenomena at an unprecedented rate; primarily due to climate change.

Human Cause Erosion

Soil erosion occurs a number of ways. The most egregious would be human-induced causes. These include construction, faulty farming (tillage), mining, deforestation, overzealous herbicide use, and cattle overgrazing. The usage of herbicides or allowing livestock to overgraze cause ground cover vegetation to die, leaving bare soil. The bare soil is easily eroded away by natural means.

Something as simple as not utilizing appropriate engineering principals or procrastinating with erosion mitigation utilities on ditches or roadways will inevitably lead to natural erosion. The natural causes of soil erosion would include precipitation, wind velocity, soil characteristics, hydrology, and slope gradients. The eroded topsoil will ultimately inundate the planned drain system perhaps leading to enormous damages to surrounding land.

5 Ways to Prevent Erosion

Fortunately, there are effective ways to control erosion. Your specific solution will depend on the factors causing the erosion as well as its severity. Taking these erosion control measures can help minimize construction costs and keep your home safe from harm.

Coir Products

Coir is a type of material made from natural coconut fibers that are ideal for erosion control. Coir erosion products are available in numerous shapes and sizes, including mats, blocks, wattles, logs, and silt checks. They’re so effective, in fact, that coir has been used to control coastal and riverbank erosion. Plus, since they’re all-natural, coir products are a more aesthetically pleasing choice than most erosion prevention measures.

Articulated Concrete Blocks

While not as natural as coir, concrete blocks are available in just as many shapes and sizes. They can even form interconnected grids to prevent erosion on waterway embankments. The biggest downside to articulated concrete blocks, however, is that they look best protecting manmade structures like boat ramps and channels.

Dust Control

Utilizing dust control methods like silt fences and misted water keeps topsoil moist enough to resist dreaded wind erosion.

Riprap

Riprap is a common erosion control method that uses large, interlocking stones as barriers. These structures are mainly placed on unstable slopes with seepage issues that have already eroded.

Soil Nails

One of the more surprising methods of erosion prevention is soil nailing, which involves drilling and placing steel bars deep into the soil and capping them with a facing that creates a retaining wall.

No matter the causes of erosion you’re dealing with, finding the right prevention technique is key. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly, superior performing, cost effective and affordable option, consider coir-based erosion products.

Sources:

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/life_geology.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1875963715000798

https://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Infopaks/Soilerosion.pdf

https://www.nrdnet.org/sites/default/files/soil_erosion.pdf

https://nptel.ac.in/courses/105101010/downloads/Lecture06.pdf

https://www.erosionpollution.com/Coir.html

https://www.geosolutionsinc.com/products/erosion-control-articulated-concrete-blocks.html

http://lshs.tamu.edu/docs/lshs/end-notes/riprap-2389874252/riprap.pdf

https://www.minovaglobal.com/documents/34900/167120/Minova_Soil_Nailing_Web_EN.pdf/0fb0ca67-ba19-8fba-1850-f2828da26fa1

A Guide to Soil Erosion and Prevention

Soil erosion is a kind of soil degradation that occurs naturally on all land. However, it is usually heavily influenced by human activity. Soil erosion’s natural causes are typically similar to the causes for other types of erosion: mainly water, wind, ice, and gravity.

The most devastating effects of soil erosion are the degradation of fertile land and water pollution and all the negative effects that come with them. For these reasons, learning how to prevent soil erosion is crucial for any community.

Causes of Soil Erosion

The first step in reducing soil erosion is to properly understand the causes behind it. It is usually caused by several factors working together, both natural and man-made. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes for each situation, so all potential factors have to be taken into consideration.

Usually, the natural causes of soil erosion cannot be fully eliminated, only contained. One cause of soil damage is from the massive amounts of water dropped by heavy rains. This deluge sweeps away the top part of the soil, which contains important nutrients, thus decreasing the quality of the soil. Wind is another major natural cause of erosion, as it tends to lift and transport light and sandy soils, decreasing land quality.

The most significant man-made factor of soil erosion is heavy farming. Overworking the land for long periods of time will greatly affect the land’s structure and deplete it of nutrients. Tilling especially damages the soil. So how does no-till farming reduce soil erosion? It does so simply by keeping a constant land structure. Vegetation is, however, needed to avoid soil erosion, so a complete lack of plants and crops is also a contributing factor, as is the deforestation of a piece of land. In his book, “The Political Economy of Soil Erosion in Developing Countries,” geographer and environmentalist Piers Blaikie argues that most man-made factors of soil erosion are caused by mismanagement and lack of funds in developing countries.

Soil Erosion Solutions

Soil erosion prevention is vital for the well-being of a community and can be achieved by following a series of steps. Most ways of preventing soil erosion rely on eliminating the causes or limiting the natural events that lead to the erosion of land. Prevention is done with the help of ecotechnology, which is using technology and knowledge to better manage human interaction with nature.

The lack of vegetation on a piece of land is a major cause of soil erosion, as factors such as heavy rains or strong winds will do significantly more damage to bare soil. That is why using plants to prevent soil erosion is an efficient move. Vegetation not only keeps the soil in place, thanks to the plants’ roots, but also provides the soil with valuable nutrients from fallen leaves, fruit, or animal droppings. The result is a portion of land that is able to withstand the effects of wind and water, therefore preventing degradation.

For areas in which planting vegetation is not an option or is only in the initial phases, adding rocks and mulch is a good way of controlling soil erosion. The effects are similar to those that come from vegetation, meaning the soil will be heavier and less likely to be displaced by rain or wind. Keeping a fertile topsoil means that plants will start to grow, even from beneath the rocks or mulch, further strengthening the land.

Steep slopes present extra challenges for preventing soil erosion, as another natural factor, gravity, joins rain and wind in causing damage. In this case, the solution is to use a soil erosion mat, which is basically a nonbiodegradable soil erosion control blanket that is placed over the seeds or young plants. This blanket holds the top part of the soil in place, even when it is threatened by multiple natural causes of erosion. If soil erosion mats can’t keep massive amounts of water from carrying mud downhill, putting down fiber logs will block the water and keep it on the soil.

Properly draining water from the soil is another major part of fixing soil erosion. If the land is not properly drained, it will only take a heavy rainfall for water to build up and wash away nutrient-rich topsoil. Watering of plants must be kept to a minimum and constantly adjusted, depending on the amount of rain that falls in a particular period of time. Ideally, irrigation and underground drainage systems will be put in place for efficient water management.

Among the soil erosion prevention techniques, avoiding soil compaction is one of the most important. The constant movement of people, cattle, or machines on a particular piece of land will press down the soil, making it harder and denser. Since compacting reduces space between dirt particles, water is not able to drain through; instead, it carries the soil downhill. Compacted soil also makes it harder for plants to push through, reducing the vegetation needed for healthy soil. Creating walking paths and keeping machines and cattle off the land will help to prevent soil erosion.

How Does Terracing Prevent Soil Erosion?

Terracing is a very effective method to stop soil erosion on sloped plains. Basically, it means cutting the sloped land and forming many receding flat surfaces that resemble steps. Historically, terracing has been used with great success throughout the world and is still used today, mostly in Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and South America. It also is used on islands with steep slopes and allows farming in places that would not have been accessible otherwise.

The reasons for why terracing works are mostly related to the flow of the water that comes from rains. First, the speed at which the water circulates downhill is greatly reduced, preventing it from taking off the top part of the soil. Another upside is that since the water travels more slowly, more of it will be absorbed by the land. This feeds the plants and prevents downhill floods. However, for terracing to work, the system has to be not only well-designed but also properly managed. According to the book, “Terracing for Soil and Water Conservation” by Claude L. Hamilton, inadequate tillage practices or overcropping can make terraces fail only a few years after they have been put to use.

Soil erosion is and has always been a major problem for humanity. Damaged land will not only prevent the growth of rich crops but will also enable other natural calamities, such as major floods caused by the land not absorbing the water. Although soil erosion is partly inevitable due to its natural causes, good farming practices and soil management techniques will help control and prevent it.

List of sources:

The Political Economy of Soil Erosion in Developing Countries, Piers Blaikie

Terracing for Soil and Water Conservation, Claude L. Hamilton