How to Stop Erosion on a Slope?

The risk of erosion is present in most types of topographies, but it becomes even more prominent in areas with steep slopes and embankments. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to stopping erosion on a slope to prevent the area from becoming barren and affecting the water supply.

There are many different methods used to stop erosion on a slope. Before discussing these methods in detail, let’s explore some basics.

Why Is It Important to Prevent Erosion on a Slope?

Soil erosion means the steady and gradual loss of soil. Soil erosion can be accelerated extensively by events like a heavy rainstorm, which can make the whole slope area worse and make it more vulnerable to other harmful effects of erosion.

Moreover, as certain residential properties are located on a hillside or slope, it is important to ensure sufficient steps are taken to protect the soil from erosion. Some of the dangerous effects of soil erosion are:

Complete loss of soil nutrients
Higher chances of flooding due to clogged waterways
Degradation of local air quality
Building up of silt at the bottom of the driveways
Clogged drainage system
Loose soil
Potential damage to marine life

Four Ways to Stop Soil Erosion

Erosion typically occurs in two main ways: graduation erosion of the soil’s quality and quick loss of soil particles. It can happen throughout the year, such as due to the runoff from heavy summer rainfall or strong snowstorms during the winter.

Whatever the primary reason behind soil erosion might be, there are certain steps, such as geotube installation, that can be taken to stop erosion on a slope.

1. Create a Garden Terrace

Stopping soil erosion on a hillside is a significant challenge because the incline of the slope makes it vulnerable to quick soil landslides and erosion. Nevertheless, one of the most effective ways of preventing soil erosion is to build a garden terrace.

It simply means using natural materials to act as plateaus to break the slope. As a result, a runoff will be stopped from flowing straight down the hill.

Other than using natural homegrown elements, it is also possible to build terraces with different materials, such as wood, concrete blocks, and modern solutions involving geosynthetics.

Ultimately, making strong terraces using suitable material is integral to supporting the soil and stopping erosion.

2. Use Geotextiles

The exact method of stopping soil erosion is also dependent on the kind of region you are dealing with.

For instance, if a thick layer of rock is present underneath the soil that does not support vegetation, geosynthetics should be applied to build up a thin layer of soil. Geotextile installation, such as in the form of a geotextile wall, comes in handy in such a situation.

The goal of such structures is to act as erosion control blankets that cover a large area of the soil on a steep hillside. Geotextile installation also brings sustainability to the process, as biodegradable geosynthetics can protect the soil from erosion without causing any harmful effects.

3. Plantations

Another quick, simple, and effective way of stopping erosion on a hillside is to use plants. However, in order to enhance the efficiency of this method, it is integral that the right type of plantings be selected to minimize runoff. This is useful in protecting the soil from both wind and water erosion.

Moreover, the roots of the well-planted trees and bushes go well deep to support the soil. Crops like traditional grasses, legumes, and broadleaf species can be chosen for this purpose.

Generally, plantation alone might not be sufficient to completely stop the erosion, so you should use this method along with other strategies, such as geotextile installation, to ensure maximum protection from erosion.

4. Create Diversions

In order to support the drainage system of the hillside area, it is possible to add different types of diversions to the sloppy areas.

These diversions are meant to channel the excessive amount of water down the slope and create a predetermined path through which the water can pass without causing a blockage.

One of the most effective ways of creating a diversion is by creating open ditches. However, other methods, such as geotubes installation or using a geotextile wall, can also be used to create permanent diversions.

In Closing

By using these four different methods, you can prevent erosion on a slope to a great extent and make sure the soil remains nourished and protected. Ultimately, a combination of these methods will ensure maximum protection and minimize the chances of erosion.