Tuesday 6 November 2012

Soil Stabilization Solutions


Soil Stabilization Solutions

When the soil around a home or a garden becomes unstable, it creates different types of problems for the homeowner. To keep major problems from occurring, there are several types of soil stabilizers that help with preventing soil movement,

From muddy yards and sinkholes to the loss of workable gardening property, homeowner can choose a common solution to fix the problems that they are experiencing. Some of the most common soil stabilization solutions can be found by researching various sites online. Listed below are four commonly known solutions that may work great for some homeowners. The type of soil stabilization solution will be based on the severity of the homeowner's problem.

Plants

One type of soil stabilization solution for a homeowner involves using plant roots, specifically grass as well as other ground covers. Plant roots can help the homeowner with holding the soil in place. Grass and other ground covers are not the first option for some homeowners, especially in emergency situations. One of the main reasons for excluding grass roots from emergency cases is because it takes time for these type of roots to establish themselves in the ground. Plant roots are great alternatives to use when the owner wants to hold the soil in places, specifically in certain areas around the home (i.e. gradual slopes that can be found near a home). These roots will also help with preventing the landscape from shifting too much. Whenever it is possible, the professionals in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are recommending planting grasses that grow deep and have deep root systems. By using the right solutions, the owner will also help with preventing muddy runoff and dust problems that's caused by unstable soil.

Mulch

When a homeowner needs a quick solution, they may want to consider using Mulch. Mulch is used by many homeowners who have experienced these kinds of problem, since they have a unique advantage over using different types of soil stabilizing-plants. Mulch can also be used to cover exposed soil easily. Mulch is a short-term fix instead of a long-term solution because it is not permanent. The types of basic materials included in mulch are straw and wood.

Soil Binders

Another solution used by many homeowners in California is soil binders. These owners use soil binders when they want to limit erosion and hold the soil around their homes together. When this kind of temporary solution is used, the owner should only expect a short duration period (i.e. last from a few months to two years). Soil binders are available to the owner in the form of liquids. When sprayed over a homeowner's oil, the areas affected will stay in place because it makes the soil sticky.

Physical Barriers

In addition to using plant roots, mulch and soil binders, the owner has an option of using physical barriers to hold the soil around the home in place. For example, the owner may choose to use plastic sheets. These plastic sheets will help with preventing erosion and lot of dust.

Control of soil erosion


Soil Erosion Control

Soil erosion can be a huge problem to deal with if you don't know how to control it. Fortunately there are a lot of ways you can take control of soil erosion and improve your front and back yard.

Mulch
Mulch and compost can help to enrich your soil so the erosion becomes less noticeable and eventually is gone. It will help to protect your lawn because it's so heavy and difficult to move. If you apply this on a regular basis it can help you take control of soil erosion for good.

Prevention
One of the best ways to gain control of soil erosion is by preventing it from even happening in the first place. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is by planting shrubs and trees throughout your lawn. The roots that these have will create a more stable environment inside the soil so that erosion is not likely to happen. In addition to this, you may want to consider planting some grass. This will add a healthy appearance to your home and make the roots more stable as well. Just make sure you take care of the grass so that the lawn is growing healthy during the months it should be.

Retaining Walls
These walls are easy to install and can create a nice layout in your yard as well. These are useful because they help to drain water in a more efficient manner. For example, when it rains the excess water will drain to an appropriate place instead of your land. One of the most important things to remember when building one of these is that it has to be reinforced with steel or concrete. These materials will ensure the wall stays secure and doesn't get damaged from long periods of exposure. A retaining wall will make a barrier between your land and water so that you don't have to worry about erosion throughout the year.

Gardening Techniques
If you have a garden, there are some techniques you can use to prevent erosion as well. Buffers are great for keeping soil in a certain area. When the soil is not exposed to the outside air or other natural elements, it will prevent erosion from happening. Most gardeners and even farmers also stop tilling their crops and vegetables to ensure erosion doesn't happen. This protects the soil and the nutrients that are naturally inside it.

Contour Farming
If you're farming or gardening, the term contour farming is probably one you have heard before. This is where you will strategically place your crops or plants by putting them where the land lies flat. If you cut off your land where it's going to run off you can easily prevent a lot of erosion from occurring.

Learning More
Preventing erosion is something that might take you a while to really understand. Everyone has different land and crops, so a lot of it depends with which technique you use. If one thing ends up not working, try another until you find what is most effective.