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Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and deposited somewhere else - such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows over the surface and runs to another area - such as into storm drains, streams, or lakes. In addition to soil sediment, runoff can wash fertilizer and other pollutants along with it. Sediment makes up most of the pollutant carried by runoff, however, and most of the phosphate and pesticides entering Virginia's waters are attached to these soil particles. Therefore, controlling erosion will make a significant contribution to the control of water pollution. Runoff entering lakes and streams, in addition to carrying pollutants, is water that is needed to soak through the soil to resupply our groundwater. Reducing erosion and runoff is important to protect both our soils and our water supplies. Erosion and runoff in the home landscape also create unsightly bare areas and deposit mud and dust on driveways and walkways that is then tracked into the house. Erosion begins when rain or irrigation water loosens soil particles. When there is too much water to soak into the soil, it fills surface depressions and begins to flow. With enough speed, this surface runoff carries away the loosened soil. Runoff from roofs and paved areas can contribute to erosion by directing large amounts of water in a short time period to nearby areas that are unable to absorb it quickly enough. Return to Table of Contents
Signs of Erosion
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Signs of Runoff
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Why Control Runoff and Erosion?
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Use Plants to Reduce ErosionLandscaping not only adds beauty and value to your property, but also helps control erosion by reducing the amount and speed of runoff. Ground covers are one of the best erosion controls and include any plant material that covers the ground surface so the soil cannot be seen from above and rain does not strike directly upon it. Turfgrass is one important type of ground cover, but many other low-growing herbaceous and woody plants work well and, once established, require less fertilizer, pesticide, and other maintenance than turf. Return to Table of Contents
Handling Steep SlopesSteep slopes can be easily eroded and, even if erosion is controlled, may allow water to collect in undesirable areas, such as near house foundations. There are many ways to reduce erosion and runoff, as well as control the direction of drainage.
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Ground Cover SelectionPlanting ground covers on slopes or bare areas helps control erosion and runoff because plant roots hold the soil in place, and the leaves protect the soil from the impact of raindrops, reducing soil compaction, and improving the speed with which water soaks into the ground. Ground covers can produce attractive patterns with variations in height, texture, and color. They also conserve soil moisture; reduce maintenance in narrow or odd-shaped areas where mowing, edging, and watering might be difficult; reduce heat, glare,-noise, and dust; and block foot traffic without blocking the view. Some ground cover choices for Virginia include:
Many other ground covers grow well in different part of US, consult your local nursery garden centers or Park and Recreational dept in your town or city. Return to Table of Contents
Building and Protecting SoilBy caring for and improving your soil, you will help it absorb water more readily, reducing runoff and erosion as well as improving plant health.
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