Discover Different Ways to Reinforce Soil

Utilizing effective soil reinforcement methods can significantly reduce erosion caused by wind and water. Such erosion can disrupt plant growth and affect the topsoil. Moreover, it often leads to increased pollution through water runoff. Areas prone to erosion include slopes and exposed, windy ground. The reinforcement technique you choose will depend on the landscape and the specific erosion issues you need to address.

How Ground Cover Helps Out

Covering the soil with mulch or planting ground cover can improve soil stability and prevent displacement. Thick or compressed plant ground cover leaves will help keep the soil in place during rain. Suitable plants for controlling erosion include Taiwan Raspberry and Serbian Bellflower. Conversely, avoid plants like Periwinkle and English Ivy.

When applying mulch, spread a good layer of straw, gravel, or wood chips to ensure the soil is completely covered. This material retains moisture, reducing conditions that increase the risk of soil erosion.

Plants

Plants are an excellent alternative to ground cover. Ensure you cover the entire area with separate plants and add flowers, shrubs, and trees for aesthetic appeal. Larger plants with deeper root systems are particularly beneficial for soil reinforcement. The foliage of larger plants, such as trees, can diffuse rainwater, preventing soil washaway.

Terracing

Terracing involves creating a sloping surface bounded by a steeper slope on one side. Steep slopes can accelerate soil erosion as water rushes down. For long, steep slopes, terracing can effectively keep soil in place. Terraces slow down water flow, preventing it from rushing downhill and carrying soil away.

Creating terraces can be as simple as installing a series of short retaining walls down the slope. Planting ground cover on terraced land further stabilizes the soil.

Geotextiles

Geotextile fabric, made from synthetic fibers woven into a porous material, reinforces soil and prevents erosion. This fabric is laid firmly over the soil to keep it in place, commonly used in construction to maintain soil stability until permanent structures are built and ground cover is established.

Sometimes, geotextile fabric is temporarily spread over the soil after planting seeds to protect them from washing away until they start growing.

Geogrid

Geogrid products, typically made of high-strength polyester yarns or similar materials, resemble heavy-duty mesh. They help maintain aggregate in areas such as beneath roads or behind retaining walls. Geogrids are often used with geotextiles to provide reliable soil reinforcement solutions.