Research has found that up to 1% of topsoil is lost each year due to erosion. Many people make the mistake of thinking that this problem is only something that farmers need to worry about, but you could be faced with erosion in your garden which can cause major issues to the local environment. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can prevent erosion and stop the damage it is causing to the environment.
Use A Water Catchment System
One of the primary causes of erosion is excess water which washes away topsoil. In fact, it is possible to lose an entire layer of topsoil with a single bout of heavy rain. One of the best ways that you can prevent this from happening is to use a water catchment system.
These systems will include a water barrel which catches the rain that would head to the garden. You can also divert water from other areas of the garden to the catchment system. When you do this, you will not only be stopping erosion, you can also save money by using the rainwater to water your plants.
Grow Plants And Grass
Erosion often occurs when you have bare soil in your garden as this soil is easy for wind and water to sweep away. Having plants and grass will stop erosion because it will bind the soil. The roots of the plants will hold the soil and make it harder for wind and water to move it.
Research has shown that grass and plants can reduce the amount of runoff by 50%. These plants will also be able to help the environment in other ways as they provide a habitat for animals and clean the air.
Build A Limestone Retaining Wall
If you have a slope in your garden, you need to look at building a limestone retaining wall. You also need to have plants on the slope to hold the soil in place. The retaining wall is important because it can give the plants the time to establish themselves without any risks of being washed away with the soil.
Retaining walls will generally be built at the bottom of the slope and will not be more than a few feet in height. When you build the wall, you need to ensure that there is a drainage system to ensure that the water does not pool by the wall. It is also important to note that you might need to get approval from the local council before you build a retaining wall.
If you want to look into this further, speak to a specialised contractor such as Skilled Fencing: https://www.skilledfencing.com.au/limestone-retaining-walls-perth/
Get Air Into The Soil
Many people do not realise that compressed soil can increase the erosion in the area. This is due to the fact that compressed soil does rain water very well because there is less space for the water to move. Compressed soil is a major problem if you have pets and bare soil as their movement will compress the soil. To remedy this problem, you need to take steps such as using compost to attract earthworms that increase the space and air in the soil which makes it easier for water to drain.