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Soil Erosion Problems and Solutions

Erosion Control

Ways to Control River Bank Erosion

Rivers and streams are dynamic waterways that are always changing. Part of this change occurs during river bank erosion. While river bank erosion can sometimes deliver favorable results, more often it can have harmful outcomes. Learn more about how and why river bank erosion occurs and methods you can use to stop bank erosion from happening.

What Is River Bank Erosion?

River bank erosion occurs when water wears away at the banks of a river or stream. While river erosion is a naturally occurring process, human impact can increase its rate. Common contributing factors to river and stream bank erosion include:

  • Clearing vegetation away from the river bank.
  • Flooding.
  • Intense rainfall.
  • River bank saturation from nonriver water.
  • Stream and land use management.
  • River straightening.
  • River redirection around infrastructure or debris in the channel.
  • Characteristics of the river bank soil.

The Impact of River Bank Erosion

While almost all rivers will have some amount of healthy river bank erosion, unstable rivers that have large amounts of erosion are cause for concern. At the site of the erosion, issues can include loss of businesses and farmland, which can bring economic hardship to the area. Additionally, erosion can lead to homelessness and migration if people are forced to move. The most significant problem with river bank erosion is mass failure, which occurs when an entire section of the river bank collapses into the river.

Not only does river bank erosion impact the area where the erosion is happening but it can also affect life down the river. Erosion sends extra sediment downstream, which can change the river’s course and disrupt shipping channels.

How to Stop River Bank Erosion

While river bank erosion is an ongoing issue, there are certain river bank control methods available that can slow down or even stop the process. Because erosion occurs in a natural environment on the water, most people prefer to use natural materials to control river bank erosion. When you’re exploring river bank erosion control options, you’ll find everything from temporary and biodegradable materials to permanent solutions.

Natural Vegetation

Vegetation has a major impact on bank erosion. For the most part, river banks that have vegetation erode slower than those without. This is because the roots of the vegetation generally increase the soil’s strength around the river bank, which makes the bank less prone to mass failure. Additionally, plants can act as shock absorbers during heavy rainfall, which also slows the rate of erosion.

While trees and plants that are native to the area are always the best choices when selecting natural vegetation to control river bank erosion, you can also opt for plants known for their expansive root systems and ability to grow near water. The willow tree is one of the best choices for stopping erosion on the river bank because it grows large and durable root systems rapidly.

Soil Erosion Mats

Another common option for erosion control is a soil erosion mat. While these mats are sometimes made with wood fiber or straw, one of the top materials used is coir coconut fiber. This is because coir is strong yet natural. Plus, unlike straw or wood, coir can last in the water anywhere from two to five years.

It’s good for areas that need temporary reinforcement because it offers a period of increased stabilization before eventually biodegrading into the surrounding area. Additionally, coir soil erosion mats won’t harm fish or other wildlife in the water, and it can help vegetation establish along the shoreline for long-term erosion control.

Coir Logs

Coir logs are another river bank erosion repair method made using coconut fiber. Coir logs are large in diameter, which makes them ideal for supporting river banks or being used for erosion control on hills, shorelines, and other areas prone to erosion. Even though they’re big, coir logs are easy to place. Once they’re in position, they can help establish vegetation growth. They’ve been effectively used in construction sites, restoration projects, and stabilization areas. Most coir logs will last two to five years before biodegrading.

Geotextiles

You can get geotextiles in different materials for a variety of applications. One option you’ll find is woven or nonwoven synthetic fiber geotextiles. Woven geotextiles are incredibly strong, which makes them well-equipped to handle large drainage and erosion control areas. Nonwoven geotextiles are permeable, so they’re ideal for areas where you need drainage and sediment control. Because both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are made with synthetic fibers, they’re UV- and rot-resistant.

You can also find geotextiles made with coir fabric. The fabric comes on rolls that flatten out on the embankment. Unlike synthetic fabric geotextiles, coir geotextiles are biodegradable and won’t harm the environment. Additionally, the roots of vegetation can potentially grow through the fibers and establish plants over the geotextiles.

Tree Revetment 

Tree revetment is a river bank erosion control system that uses small fallen trees anchored horizontally in place along the river bank to prevent erosion. The trees slow the flow of water, which cuts back on the rate of erosion. They also catch sediment in the tree branches and prevent it from flowing down the river. This sediment then creates an effective soil bed to let natural vegetation take root.

Gabions

For a river bank that needs a strong and permanent erosion control method, gabions might be the best choice. Gabions are large metal baskets filled with stone or concrete rubble. They’re an ideal solution for areas in which a large amount of soil erosion is likely to occur. Although they’re not particularly attractive, you can sink the gabions below the water line at the river. Not only does this make them nearly invisible but it also helps slow the velocity of water flow and train the river to flow in the desired path.

Although river bank erosion has serious consequences, you have several option to control it. When you need to stop river bank erosion, consider implementing one of these effective methods.

Ways to Control Coastal Erosion

Our coasts are precious resources, home to an abundance of wildlife and popular destinations for rest and relaxation. However, with climate change, human involvement, and normal natural processes, our coastlines are in danger of eroding. When natural barriers such as mangrove trees get removed from coasts due to storms or development, the water begins to dissolve the coastline, dragging away sand and wearing down the limestone.

There are, however, ways to control this process. Coir is a natural, eco-friendly material that can slow coastal erosion and minimize damage. As a byproduct of coconut trees, coir is one of our best resources for keeping coastlines safe from erosion. Naturally produced and ecologically safe, this product is revolutionizing how we deal with coastal erosion. Here we’ll describe how to prevent coastal erosion and how coir can help. 

What Is Coastal Erosion?

Simply put, coastal erosion is the act of a water source degrading a nearby coastline. Each coastline is different, ranging from rocky outcroppings to smooth expanses of sand. Regardless of the geological makeup, erosion affects each of the various ecosystems similarly.

Many places around the world are experiencing incredible amounts of coastal erosion. Louisiana is widely regarded as the main problem area in the United States for coastal erosion, losing as much as 50 feet of beach per year. According to Stephen Leatherman of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, upward of 80 to 90% of the country’s coasts are experiencing erosion, many at unprecedented rates.

What Causes Coastal Erosion?

Coastal erosion has many causes. Often, erosion is a one-way process, with damage being nearly impossible to counteract once it has occurred. Erosion can happen naturally, as it has been for thousands of years: Wonders like the Grand Canyon, for instance, are testaments to the power of water eating away at rock. 

Most often, natural erosion is a slow process. However, with the increasingly volatile weather and rising sea levels, natural erosion has sped up significantly. According to the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, the federal government spends approximately $150 million each year on beach nourishment and other erosion prevention measures.

Natural phenomena aren’t the only reasons our coasts are eroding more rapidly. Human intervention is another major player in coastal erosion. Beachfront properties have always been desirable, and in the rush to create more, natural barriers such as mangrove forests have been removed. Without these barriers, the erosion process speeds up significantly.

Other human-created issues include storm barriers and cement blockades. While these can help reduce the damage from storm surges, the reflected wave energy can lead to accelerated erosion as soil and rock get sucked away from the coastline and sent out to sea. 

To best preserve our coasts, we must explore alternative methods for reducing erosion and protect our climate by reducing harmful practices. 

What Is Coir?

Pronounced COY-er, coir is one of the best natural solutions for erosion. Derived from coconut fibers, coir is eco-friendly to harvest and manufacture. It comes from the inner husks of a coconut shell and is a fibrous, coarse material with multiple unique properties. It’s rot-resistant, extremely strong, flexible, and buoyant.  

The most common use of coir, and where you’ve probably seen it before, is in household products such as doormats. It’s also commonly used as a lining for hanging baskets because it easily allows for soil drainage without leading to rot. Coir is also used as an eco-friendly stuffing, as sack material, and as gardening material.

Coir isn’t the easiest product to produce, although it doesn’t take excessive processing or require harmful chemicals like many synthetic products do. The process begins with soaking the coconuts’ outer husks until the fibers can be pried apart and separated. Often, manufacturers separate the fibers by color and size. This grading process makes it easier to designate batches for particular uses. The dark brown coir, which comes from mature coconuts, is what people use most often for erosion prevention, as it’s one of the hardiest grades available. 

Once it’s been processed and graded, coir gets bound together into whatever form it’ll be used for, including logs, wattles, bricks, and mats. 

How Does Coir Prevent Coastal Erosion? 

Coir is a particularly effective material for helping prevent coastal erosion, especially for beaches that are in danger of washing away or have been nourished with new deposits of sand recently. 

Coir used to control coastal beach erosion in populated areas is typically bound into logs. These are placed as breakwaters or are set beneath sand dunes. They provide an excellent substrate for roots to take hold of, allowing for protective plants such as sea oats to take root and keep the sand in place. This helps prevent further erosion while also encouraging the return of native plants to beach areas where they had once been. 

Coir mats can help prevent erosion in areas where aesthetics are less of a concern. These mats are placed along areas that are in danger of eroding and help prevent the water from dragging the soil or sand away. Logs and wattles are also used for this purpose and are typically placed in rows to provide additional support along the coastline. 

Thanks to coir’s rot-resistant properties, these measures can stay in place for a long time, outliving many synthetic products. In addition, they don’t release chemicals or damaging byproducts into the water or ground where they’re placed, another attractive feature of these coastal-erosion-prevention products. 

In instances in which a sea wall must be built, either to protect the real estate nearby or because the area is too far gone for more natural erosion prevention, coir can provide an effective fabric underlay and is quickly becoming a popular choice among builders.

Coir is a practical choice for coastal erosion prevention thanks to its eco-friendly nature and efficacy. Whether used on a riverside or beachfront property, coir has the potential to become the most widely used geotextile in the industry. 

Can Plants Mitigate Soil Erosion?

When it comes to controlling soil erosion, adding plants to the landscape is a natural and beautiful way to protect soil while adding dimension and blooms of color. Many plant varieties work well in hardy areas, are resistant to drought, or require very little maintenance. Choose from ground covers, shrubs, or trees to get the best results. Locate plants and trees where they will best offset soil erosion from both wind and water.

Natives are the best erosion control plants because they are primed to the area where they grow. Grasses are also useful, although you must take land topography into consideration in regard to maintenance. Take the time to think about what purpose the plant will serve, its type of root system, and its rate of growth. If planting ground cover or trees on a hill, know the grade of the slope. Choose low-maintenance, deep-rooting trees and shrubs that dig in and take hold on sloped land.

Effects of Soil Erosion

Soil’s delicate balance of microbes, pH, and moisture all contribute to its health and vitality. Healthy soil is productive, fertile, and able to recycle and regenerate. As land is stripped of vegetation for farming or harvesting practices, the uppermost layer, referred to as topsoil, is subject to degradation. It can get washed away during sheet erosion or carried into the air during saltation.

As wind or water wear away at exposed topsoil, its ability to provide nutrients to seeds and saplings degrades. Soil’s structure begins to weaken, and pests can take over, leading to chemical use to restore balance.

Protecting Soil

Soil usually does an adequate job of keeping its balance of microbes, pH, moisture, and nutrients when left undisturbed for periods of time. Tilling soil or planting a new crop before the soil has had a chance to rebound from the last planting season degrades that soil and robs its nutrients. As exposed, bare land leaves soil vulnerable, wind and water events have no forces to stop their destructive flow and contribute to pollutants in the air and surrounding soils.

When considering how to prevent erosion, replacing vegetation is a relatively simple way to aid nature in her cycles of regeneration and renewal. Soil can bounce back and recover faster when vegetation is added back into the equation.

Best Plants for Erosion Control

Choosing the right plants to offset erosion and help soils recover depends on where they will grow. Temperate climates might welcome varieties that like moisture while drier climates might require hardy ground cover that mitigates wind erosion. Some regions might benefit from taller vegetation, such as shrubs or trees, to create windbreaks and deep roots that hold soil in place. Slopes might fare well with plants that grow weblike roots to reinforce the grade and give soil holding power.

Ground Cover

Ground cover serves to create a low-lying layer of vegetation to hold soil in place. Ground cover helps soil retain moisture and provides protection against both wind and water erosion. Most varieties do well in full sun and don’t require much water. 

Creeping varieties might spread fast to cover an area without blocking the view of the overall land. Ground cover discourages foot traffic and is visually appealing. As ground cover dies off and recycles, it provides nutrients and microbial activity to decompose matter and return it to the soil.

Commonly used erosion control ground cover plants include:

  • Creeping phlox
  • Autumn sage
  • Common yarrow
  • Rye and clover
  • Creeping juniper 
  • Creeping myrtle

Shrubs

Shrubs grow taller than ground cover and might be used in windbreaks or to create visual dimension. Evergreen shrub varieties such as juniper are cold-hardy and offer soil protection year-round. Other varieties, such as buckwheat, prefer drier climates and only grow to about 18 inches tall.

Commonly used shrubs include:

  • Juniper
  • Forsythia
  • Japanese spurge
  • Spotted nettle
  • Buckwheat
  • Apache plume

Grasses

Native grasses work best for their resilience and adaptation to climate. Grasses aren’t recommended for erosion control on steep slopes because of the maintenance and possible dangers of mowing on a hill. Most grasses have moderate to fast growth and usually do well in both sun and shade.

Commonly used grasses include:

  • Black mondo grass
  • Blue fescue
  • Yellow foxtail

Trees

Trees boast deep or extensive root systems. Their height creates a windbreak to offset erosion while their roots hold soil in place during both water and wind events. Trees provide shade — an added measure in soil moisture loss prevention and retention.

Ideal tree varieties for wind and water erosion control include:

  • Oak
  • Holly
  • Dogwoods
  • Alder
  • Willows

What to Plant on a Hillside to Control Erosion

Growing on a hillside or slope can pose challenges. The grade of the slope must be considered when deciding how to stop erosion on a hill. Choose deep-rooting plants that stabilize soil or fibrous root systems to create a web and reinforce slopes.

If a slope has a 10% or greater grade, consider terracing to aid plants in erosion control. Avoid planting grasses or high-maintenance plants on grades of 20% or more.

Depending on slope conditions, consider planting trees such as cotoneaster, whose thick roots hold soil in place. Willows thrive in full sun, grow best in moist soil, and do well in regions with harsh winters. Firs and pines like sunlight but do well in dry soil and are hardy enough to withstand subzero temperatures.

Ground covers such as the evergreen creeping juniper and flowering bougainvillea are low-maintenance plants with fibrous root systems. For color on a hillside, try violets or honeysuckle.

Planting vegetation that enriches and nurtures soil to combat erosion is one way to save nature with nature. Other all-natural methods might include coir products made from coconut coir fibers. Trees, shrubs, and ground cover offer protections from erosion while supplying the soil with essential nutrients, regulating its pH, and providing a home to beneficial and crucial soil bacteria. These plants also give the landscape visual appeal and dimension and serve as a reminder of their importance in maintaining soil health and vitality.

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.

Economic Effects of Soil Erosion

In today’s changing climate, the effects of soil erosion are prevalent. While forest land, or land that is surrounded by or covered with vegetation, usually sees little effects of soil erosion, cultivated land certainly does. The practice of clearing land for agriculture serves to increase its vulnerability as unprotected land is susceptible to frequent and sustained soil erosion.

Erosion occurs when the land’s soil is not adequately covered in order to protect it from wind, water, and sand. This erosion causes the soil’s health to decline as well as affects surrounding resources such as air and water quality. Heavy flooding or storms can exacerbate the problem or be the cause of erosion in the first place. Overall, erosion can reduce the land’s ability to produce harvests and lead to economic hardship.

Economic Effects of Soil Erosion

In the United States alone, soil erosion accounts for $12 billion in losses. In comparison, Asia and Europe tally $3.5 and $4.5 billion respectively. Several industries are affected by the loss of soil quality or the degradation of crops and their yields. 

  • Meat and Dairy: Chicken, cattle, and swine are all affected by soil erosion. As the quality of their feed depletes, the quality of meat declines. Animals may be drinking water contaminated by runoff or their feed might not contain enough nutrients.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: When crops don’t produce their expected yield, prices go up. Supply and demand still rule the day and if production is reduced or quality degraded, prices may spike for produce that is usable.
  • Grains: Since grains are converted into feed for livestock and processed into bread and flour, the degradation of their quality has a trickle-down effect and finds its way into the bread on the dinner table.

Effects of Soil Erosion on the Environment

Rattan Lal, from the School of Natural Resources at The Ohio State University, describes the condition as such: “Soil erosion exacerbates soil degradation and vice versa. In some cases decline in soil quality, especially the weakening of structural units, precedes erosion. In others, erosion may lead to a decline in soil quality and set in motion the degradative trend. In fact, soil erosion can be a manifestation of soil degradation because it involves physical removal of soil in a vertical and/or horizontal direction and degrades soil quality. It is a natural process that has shaped the landscape and led to formations of fertile alluvial and loess soils. However, the acceleration of the process through anthropogenic perturbations can have severe impacts on soil and environmental quality.”

Those impacts include damage to lakes and streams from runoff. As disturbed soil is washed away and deposited elsewhere, natural water resources are inevitably impacted. This erosion wreaks havoc on the land by removing the topsoil and over time, reducing its depth. This depth reduction causes roots to struggle to take hold. Topsoil degradation means soil loses its ability to trap and filter water, diminishing its benefits.

The soil’s fertility is called into question as well as nutrients are washed away. Young plants might not stand a chance from the onslaught of wind and rain and may be lost altogether.

Sediment is a serious impact of soil erosion as the runoff has to go somewhere and turn into something. Nearby roads and neighboring properties might find sediment deposits. Long-term excessive erosion can lead to weakened bridges and other infrastructure. Sediment deposits might also accumulate downstream and cause flood hazards while disrupting fish spawning grounds. Sediment might carry pesticides and fertilizers in its make-up, leaving poisons in its devastating wake.

The economic impacts on environmental shifts caused by erosion are vast in possibility and depend on the affected area’s economic and industrial output.

Effects of Soil Erosion on Agriculture

Although it is difficult to assess agricultural losses because of the unpredictability of climate change and accompanying weather patterns, estimates of economic loss are heavy and impactful. Since tilled soil is more vulnerable than untilled soil, it usually suffers the worst effects of erosion and influences agriculture by lessening the land’s ability to produce crops.

Erosion carries away not just soil but also the nutrients it contains. Studies show that each ton of soil that erodes might contain the equivalent of 2.32 pounds of nitrogen and one pound of phosphorous. When these elements are carried away, they are deposited in places adversely affected by excess nitrogen and phosphorous, not to mention pesticides. Per-acre dollar estimates work out to fertilizer losses at a cost of $2.10 per ton of soil loss.

The impact on agriculture in terms of time is also weighty. Farmers spend crucial growing time preventing erosion or repairing its damage. Eroded areas must be leveled with additional cultivation as well as filling gullies created by runoff. Gradually, topsoil suffers and depth is lost. Seeds and seedlings might also be washed away, adding to crop and economic losses.

Conservation Practices and Erosion Control

There are methods to minimize the damage of soil erosion and possibly prevent it from occurring in the first place. The time to put these into practice is before the next rainy season or the next predicted storm.

  • Crop rotation: Alternating crops on the same land can maintain soil productivity.
  • Contour farming: Sloped land can be tilled to make elevations more consistent and furrows can be created to serve as reservoirs. Terraced planting has a similar effect as crops are planted in graduated platforms to deter erosion.
  • Strip cropping: Alternating crops to be cultivated with strips of sod-forming or matting textiles like coir blankets and logs can also work to minimize erosion.
  • Subsoiling: This method works by circulating the soil to increase root aeration and give water a place to go, providing better access to crops that need it for survival. 

Lal goes on to say that, “Estimates of the global extent of soil erosion are tentative and subjective, and need to be improved by using remote sensing, GIS and other modern techniques. Developing a credible database is crucial to identifying management strategies. Erosional hot spots of the world … are in need of coordinated efforts at the global scale to restore degraded ecosystems.’

Soil erosion and shifting climates both affect the viability of soil used in necessary, everday industries. With conservation methods and soil stabilization products, erosion can be reduced and prevented, salvaging one of the most important resources.