Prevention of Soil Erosion In an Eco-Garden

Tips for prevention of soil erosion in an eco-garden depend on the type and amount of organic matter in your garden soil. In an organic garden the focus is on the restoration and management of the soil, not the covering or mulching of it. Organic matter in the soil includes the residues of matter that has been dissolved in the soil. Nutrients that are not being absorbed or that are being consumed are nutrients for soil erosion. These can be lost by wind, water or other forms of movement. The following are some suggestions on how to control erosion of soil in a garden.

1. Increase Organic Matter in Garden

Increase the organic matter in your garden beds. This can be achieved by making sure that there is plenty of light, air and moisture in your garden. Mulch is a great organic matter remover but be careful where you purchase it from as there are many undesirable products in the market. Buy mulch that is made from organic material and is free from synthetic additives. Mulch also helps retain moisture in your soil.

2. Plant Trees

Plant trees that have their own barriers to prevent soil erosion. Bamboo and palms do this as their root’s lock up the soil’s weight. Check to see what types of barriers exist around your garden before planting. Some people use sand to construct a base to place their beds. Adding sand to the top of your garden beds will help reduce water loss from the top of the garden bed.

3. Increase Organic Matter of Soil

For the prevention of soil erosion in eco-garden you can increase the organic matter of soil by raking clumps of grass, leaves and other green matter on your beds. Make sure to mulch the grass clippings back into the soil. If you leave grass clippings in the ground, they can decompose and rot which is bad for your soil’s organic matter.

4. Give Mulching Layer to Garden

You need to give your garden a mulching layer. The purpose of this mulch layer is to slow down soil erosion. A layer of organic matter between the soil and garden bed will help to conserve moisture in your garden. An added bonus, organic matter acts as a natural bug repellant. It is also a natural insecticide. Putting mulch between the soil and garden bed can help save you money on insecticides and protect the health of your plants.

5. Include Sand in Garden bed

You should also include sand in the bed of your garden if you are using mulch. This will serve two purposes. Sand slows down the rate of soil erosion because it makes the soil looser and more pliable. In addition, it provides additional organic matter in the soil for the plants to feed from. Sand will also help to keep your beds free from weeds and overgrowth of insects.

6. Aerate the Soil

You should also aerate your soil. Aerating your soil will help add oxygen to the soil, and that will prevent soil erosion. When you aerate your garden, you increase the permeability of the soil and improve its water-retention ability. Increasing the permeability of your soil will help it hold more water and nutrients. This will also help your plants get the best nutrition possible.

7. Manage the Soil Well

In your attempt at prevention of soil erosion in an eco-garden, you also have to manage your soil well. If you allow excess weed growth, then you will also end up with soil erosion. To manage weeds effectively, remove them or control their growth. When necessary, burn away unwanted plants or roots. When there are too many weeds in the soil, you may also need to use herbicides to effectively control them.

8. Check the Soil Condition Regularly

Finally, the condition of the soil should be assessed regularly. The soil should be checked for conditions that can contribute to the prevention of soil erosion in an eco-garden. These include high water tables, severe compaction or tearing, poor drainage, and poor aeration. These factors can cause your soil to lose important nutrients needed to plant and maintain a healthy garden.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, these tips for the prevention of soil erosion in an eco-garden can help you save money and time on chemicals. You will also have healthier, higher-quality soil. Remember that the best organic matter in your garden is the one that is obtained from your own garden. Soils that are rich in organic matter are better for your garden than soils that are enriched with chemical fertilizer. Now that you know how to correct a path toward the prevention of soil erosion, what would you like to do with the extra organic matter in your garden? Get started with planting another garden.