Erosion Control: What It Is and How It Matters

The management and utilization of trees are essential for soil protection. When forests are not properly controlled, they can erode or be lost to a greater risk of water damage and other forces that reduce their productivity in the long term. It is important to take action to prevent damage to your property.

What is erosion control?

Erosion control is creating and/or maintaining barriers on slopes to protect against the downward erosion of soil by water, wind, or other erosive forces. It is a critical component of land management. Topsoil can quickly be eroded without proper controls, exposing trees to a greater risk of damage from water and wind.

What methods are used for erosion control?

There are a variety of different techniques that can be used for erosion control. Some of the most common methods include:

• Land Grading: Land grading is the process of shaping and sloping the land to minimize the effects of erosion. The process can be done by creating terraces, contour plowing, or by using other methods to alter the grade of the land by encouraging runoff from vulnerable areas.
• Vegetative Methods: Planting vegetation helps to stabilize the soil and can also help to absorb excess water.
• Planting Cover Crops: Cover crops are grown to reduce erosion by stabilizing the soil and absorbing rainfall. They are typically planted in the fall and winter when there is less rainfall. Cover crops help improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients.
• Mulching: Mulching is placing a layer of material (such as leaves, straw, or shredded bark) over the soil to protect it from the effects of erosion. Mulching not only helps reduce erosion but additionally it helps improve soil health by providing organic matter and nutrients.