Land erosion management is a serious environmental problem that impacts human societies all over the world. It pollutes local waterways and causes a loss of precious topsoil. It’s also a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Erosion needs to be addressed as part of a comprehensive land management policy.

Soil erosion is caused by the movement and detachment of soil particles by wind, rainwater or flowing stream and river waters. It is a natural process but can be exacerbated by land use practices that expose the soil to those forces. Deforestation, overgrazing and construction and urbanization are the main factors that contribute to soil erosion.

To minimize the effect of erosion, we need to prevent soil degradation from occurring in the first place. Erosion prevention should be a primary objective of all land use activities, including agriculture. Sustainable farming practices that are economically viable for farmers are the best way to achieve this goal.

Land Erosion Management: Strategies to Maintain Stability

There are many ways to prevent erosion on slopes and hillsides. The method you choose will depend on the quality of your soil and how sloping your property is. Mulching can be a great way to prevent erosion on moderately sloping hillsides. In addition, plowing along the contour of the land, and no or low tillage are techniques that can be used to reduce erosion.

Erosion can also be controlled by installing terracing and putting down erosion control mats and other geosynthetic materials. For steeper slopes, a professional landscape contractor can install vegetation or put down a layer of crushed stone to stabilize the soil and keep it from washing away during stormy weather.