Erosion

Erosion is one of the ways new soil is made from rocks. It is also a common way of losing valuable, nutrient-rich soil from your garden.

Photo from UCANR

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Erosion occurs when wind, water, and other natural agents move soil, rock, or dissolved minerals from one place to another. In the garden, this commonly occurs when irrigation causes runoff, wind blows topsoil away, or when plants are grown on a slope and gravity pulls the topsoil downhill.


There are many problems associated with erosion in the garden:

• Nutrient loss (an estimated $20 billion is lost each year in the U.S.)
• Reduced rotting depth
• Seedling exposure and loss
• Reduced water storage capacity

You can prevent erosion in your yard with these tips:

• Plant ground cover crops, such as mustard, rye, red clover, yarrow or even fragrant herbs.
• Avoid leaving soil bare.
• Apply a thick layer of mulch.
• Use a fabric mat that plants can grow through on slopes or other erosion-prone areas.
• Use edging and terracing.
• Irrigate properly and avoid urban drool.