It’s your dirt – Why not hold onto it?
Soil erosion isn’t just a cosmetic problem in your yard. According to the National Center for Appropriate Technology, soil removed by wind and rain erosion typically contains the “good stuff” – three times more nutrients and five times more organic matter than the soil left behind. Erosion is also a source of water pollution. Protecting soil from the impact of raindrops can decrease erosion and increase the amount of rainwater soaking into the soil. Mulches, groundcover plants and cover crops all protect our soils.
Viewer Tip: Try this fun and simple experiment at home to demonstrate the value of mulches and groundcover plants:
- Lay a piece of white paper on a bare soil surface that slopes downhill. Pour a pint of water onto the bare soil just above the paper. You will observe some eroding soil sticking to the paper as the water passes underneath.
- Now, with a fresh piece of paper, do the same thing in an area with ample groundcover. Compare the two pieces of paper to see how effective mulches and groundcover plants can be at preventing soil erosion!
At this time of year, you have ample free mulch available in your own backyard – spread fallen leaves around garden beds, bushes and trees to protect soil from erosion. This is also a great time to research native groundcover plants you may want to add in your yard. Check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Native Plants Database: www.wildflower.org/plants.
Season: Fall
This information is provided by ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Learn more about soil management: www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/soilmgmt.htm.