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Soil Erosion Problems and Solutions

Geotextile

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.

Why You Should Apply Jute Netting to Your Garden

Netting made from jute can be very useful in your home garden or landscaping project as a method to prevent erosion and encourage plant growth. Jute netting helps reduce soil erosion and provides cover for regrowth. Try these tips for using jute erosion control netting in your garden.

Erosion Control Blankets

Erosion control blankets are biodegradable, open-weave blankets that create short-term shelter for seeding and establishing vegetation on bare and sloped landscapes. You might have seen large erosion control blankets on roadsides, where they are often placed to support emergent vegetation (normally grass) for erosion prevention.

These blankets are made of natural, biodegradable fiber — often jute, straw, or coir. The natural material protects bare soil and newly seeded areas against rain and wind. This allows seeds to germinate and grow root systems, which will eventually lead to established plants. As plants or grasses grow through the mesh, they are stabilized. Later, the erosion control netting decomposes to allow further growth. 

Benefits of Jute Netting

Made from the woven fibers of the jute plant, jute netting, or mesh, is a biodegradable, natural, and flexible material used for temporary erosion control and selective plant establishment. Jute mesh has openings in the weaves, which trap seeds and provide a protective environment for germination. This mesh allows light and water to pass through, encouraging strong plant growth and enhanced mineral content in the soil. 

How to Use Jute in Your Garden

Jute netting can help prevent erosion on riverbanks, embankments, slopes, and other landscape features. It is commonly applied to roadside and general landscaping, garden and plant beds, wetland and land reclamation, and to protect other land features prone to erosion. 

Erosion control netting can also be applied alone as an alternative to wood chips or straw, on flat sites as a method of dust control, or to support seed germination. To use jute mesh correctly, first you must clear away debris and excess weeds from the slope or plain where you plan to place the netting. Apply netting up and down the slope, never along the contour. Anchor the netting every few feet as you go, and overlap sections. 

This material doesn’t work in every situation where soil erosion and water runoff is a problem. Jute netting will not be helpful in areas with steep, sandy slopes, very rocky hills, or significant fire-burned vegetation. It should also not be used in areas where runoff is expected to be high. 

You might want to try coir blankets for areas with slightly higher runoff and erosion problems. On average, coir mats provide solid support for up to five years, which is enough time to allow vegetation to take root, grow, and stabilize. In addition, coir blankets and mats are relatively easy to install. 

Most gardeners will find jute erosion control netting useful as a way of protecting their soil from wind and water damage, as seeds take time to germinate and become established. Use these tips when using jute in your garden, and add coir blankets for bigger erosion problems.

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.

How Dewatering Bags Help With Soil Erosion

Soil erosion causes silt, sand, and dirt to collect in streams and surrounding properties. This can be damaging to landscapes and construction. To address soil erosion in these situations, dewatering bags are an economical and practical option. Dewatering bags remove sediment and silt from a site by filtering water through geotextile material. There various sizes and capacities of bags to suit your needs.

Dewatering Bag Overview

Dewatering bags are designed to filter sludge, sediment, and silt from a work site, construction site, or another field of operation. Bags are placed strategically on a site, and water is directed into them. As the water moves through the geotextile fabric of the dewatering bag, sediment is captured inside for later disposal. 

There are many benefits to dewatering bags. They remove water from silt and soil without a container, reduce waste volume, use internal pressure for dewatering, remove contaminants from water, can be used in hard-to-access locations, and are relatively easy to use. Each bag’s structural integrity and flow depends on the soil type and area.

Bags are available in different sizes and with various filter properties. Fabric ratings determine how quickly and thoroughly water can filter out, which allows you to estimate pumping rates. The capacity of dewatering bags is based on soil composition, site conditions, and use. You will only know what a dewatering bag is capable of on your site once it’s been field-tested.

Discharge Hose

Each bag is designed to handle a certain size discharge hose. This is how water is guided from the point of origin to the dewatering bag. Most bags have holes designed for a specific-size tube. Alternatively, you can make a small incision in the fabric to allow a hose to be fed through. Once placed, tie the fabric to the hose using wire, ties, ropes, or other materials to seal the entrance. 

Bag Placement

Dewatering bags are rugged but not indestructible. To get the best results from dewatering bags, it’s important to place them appropriately. Be sure to look for sharp rocks or edges before placing the bag to avoid rupturing the fabric. They are not recommended for use on steep slopes, as the bags can roll. 

It’s also a good idea to find a porous surface on which to lay the bag, as this will allow the filtered water to soak quickly into the ground. It’s also important to direct water runoff or place the bag somewhere that won’t result in further soil erosion. 

Complying With Regulations

Dewatering bags can also help your job site or location stay in compliance with both local and federal stormwater regulations. Some states and cities have regulations that differ from national guidelines, so it’s important to research these requirements before installing dewatering bags. 

When it comes to preventing and addressing soil erosion, there are a lot of products on the market. One of the easiest and most economical solutions is dewatering bags. Try dewatering bags to address soil erosion on your property, construction site, dredging area, and more.

Using Coir to Help With Soil Stabilization

Soil stabilization is an integral part of a variety of projects, from commercial and industrial construction to home gardening. Whether you need to build a road or just want to improve your property’s soil to encourage healthy plant life, soil stabilization is something you should consider early in your project.

What Is Soil Stabilization?

Simply put, soil stabilization is the process of altering your soil to enhance its physical properties. For example, a team working on a construction project might use soil stabilization as a way to increase the load-bearing capabilities of the ground they’re building on so the roadway or building has a more solid foundation. 

There are two main methods of soil stabilization:

  • Mechanical stabilization, which involves mechanical alteration of the soil (i.e., dropping a heavy weight repeatedly on the soil to smooth and compact the surface);
  • Chemical stabilization, which relies on adding something to the soil to alter its properties. Standard chemical stabilization additives include cement, lime, kiln dust, and fly ash.

Most recently, a form of chemical stabilization called polymer/alternative stabilization has begun to gain popularity, as the materials used are generally cheaper and more effective than traditional chemical stabilization additives. 

Using Coir for Soil Stabilization

Researchers have begun studying the use of coir fiber as a stabilization method and comparing it to standard chemical soil stabilization methods. Coir fibers — made from the husk of coconuts — are far more sustainable than most traditional chemical additives and have the advantage of being more eco-friendly. However, because of their biodegradable nature, coir fiber might need to be added to soil more frequently than would other chemical products. 

Coir pith is one of the forms of coir most commonly used for soil stabilization, as it can be purchased in easily transportable blocks to be crumbled on-site or it can be converted to organic ‘manure’ that you can spread quickly through the topsoil. 

Using coir as a soil stabilizer in your garden can have additional benefits. Because coir is fungus- and bacteria-resistant, it provides extra protection for your plants. It also increases the soil’s ability to hold water, as it is highly water-retentive. And as it breaks down, coir adds essential nutrients to your soil, contributing to your garden’s long-term health. This is especially useful when planting sensitive seeds or germinating plants that need specific conditions in which to grow successfully.

Soil stabilization is something that exists both to prepare residential landscaping sites and to improve commercial and industrial construction areas. From providing a more stable base for roadways to ensuring a solid foundation for new buildings, soil stabilization is widely practiced around the world. And while traditional methods have worked well for decades, new, eco-friendly ways are beginning to gain interest and popularity.

If you’re interested in soil stabilization, we recommend incorporating coir fiber as part of your plan. With its relatively low cost, high sustainability, and ease of use, coir fibers add strength and nutrients to your soil without resorting to harsh chemicals that can leach into groundwater.