This method involves planting crops with deep roots that can hold the soil in place. This is particularly important in areas that are more susceptible to erosion such as streams, hillsides and along rivers. Vegetative barriers impede the flow of water due to their thick stems that are densely concentrated. These barriers spread the water runoff to slowly flow through them without erosion. Plants that are suitable for erosion control are deep-rooted native plants, such as wildflowers, woody perennials, and native grasses.

Preparing and cultivating on slopes can be challenging and can easily lead to soil erosion. However, contour farming technique, where farmers plant across a slope along the contour lines can salvage the situation. What are Causes and Effects of Environmental Degradation? This farming system serves to conserve rainwater and reduce soil loss from surface erosion. These objectives can be achieved by means of crop rows, wheel tracks across slopes and furrows. Hence, acting as reservoirs to hold rainwater.

In this method, mulch materials are put down to cover the bare soil and keep it from being washed away. Mulching is essentially used to offer erosion control in the initial stages of growing seedlings or shrubs. Moreover, mulch conserves moisture and modifies soil temperature to reduce the fluctuation of both. Wood mulch can be suitable in gardens and landscapes while organic mulches can serve to feed and protect your garden in the spring and in the fall.

Grazing too many animals in the same place over a long period of time can contribute to a poor standard of vegetation. Vegetation in that condition leave soils exposed to the erosive force of water runoff. You can significantly minimize these risks by employing proper pasture management practices and sustainable grazing. For instance, rotational grazing and moving livestock through a number of paddocks can reduce erosion, improve forage quality and allow pasture plant recovery.

Restoration of a degraded ecosystem and protection of the existing ones ensures sufficient soil erosion control. A recent study shows that a properly planted and maintained tree reduces erosion by 75 percent. Additionally, the removal of forest cover increases the risk of earth flow, which is initiated by a lack of forest canopy and a dense network of interweaved roots in the subsoil. Reforestation helps to successfully stabilize actively eroding gullies, earth flows, and shallow landslides.

This practice involves the placement of plastic covers, geotextiles, erosion control blankets, and mats to keep soil from erosion by water or wind. They primarily help newly planted crops to take root in slopes with flowing water. However, plastic sheeting can only be effective in small erodible areas. Applying it in large areas can cause damage when the water runs off the cover.

Also known as filter sock. It is commonly used as a temporary barrier to control sediments. Compost silt fencing has three-dimensional filters that intercept runoff, reduce its speed and retain sediment-laden runoff.​If using filter sock, ensure appropriate installation for your fence to be effective. It is improper to install it across waterways, ditches or places with concentrated water flow. This is because they cannot hold higher water pressure.

This is an innovative method of spreading mixed composted soil with seed in a large complex area. Terraseeding allows a complete cover of the place with the right quantity of soil. With the seed mixed, you have little chance for the seed disruption from ground contact.

This involves making a channel that allows the water to flow through it to prevent the spread of water all over the land.All structures should have pipes or gutters that can effectively drain water out of your yard into a water collection system. Places with heavy water runoff may need an installation of underground perforated drainage pipes.

When machine, animals or people continuously walk over soil, they press it, consolidating the soil into a hard layer. Since there will be less space between the compact soil particles, water will have a hard time draining through, hence carrying topsoil downhill. It is necessary to make a way on paving stones or cleared pathways rather than trampling the soil, more so when it is wet. Adding manure or compost can also help you by attracting worms, which breaks the soil clumps.

Matting is a material available that can be used to prevent eroding dirt, which can be applied on residential yards. It is a thick mat set down on the soil surface to soak up the elements. It is eco-friendly since it is composed of straw, wood and coconut fibers. Matting does not impede plants growth and you can also cut it into any size that suits your need. Remember to replace biodegradable mats periodically.

Terracing is commonly used to prevent erosion on a slope. In this technique, steep sections of a hill are leveled off into several flat areas, which allows the absorption of water. You can achieve greater results when you plant shrubs and flowers on the terraces

From a soil viewpoint, the advantages of no-till farming far exceed those of tillage-based practices. No-till system enables the soil structure to remain intact and leave crop residue on the surface of the soil. A good soil structure and cover increase the ability of the soil to infiltrate and absorb water, which eventually lowers soil erosion and runoff.

Another alternative for controlling erosion on a steep slope is by putting down a series of rolled up logs made from fibrous substances. The logs serve to slow down running water and soak it into the soil. This prevents the water from carrying mud downhill. Fiber logs also protect young seedlings from being washed away by running water.

Applying too much water on your farm during irrigation can speedily erode your farm topsoil. Use less water if possible or invest in a drip irrigation system. A drip system delivers a small amount of water at a time. Also, you can station underground drip lines to water the roots directly.