To stabilize soil from erosion, you implement site stabilization techniques, which involve using Best Management Practices (BMPs) to cover exposed soil and prevent it from washing away.
Understanding Site Stabilization
Site stabilization is the process of implementing specific BMPs for the purpose of preventing soil from eroding. When soil is exposed, such as on construction sites, slopes, or disturbed land, it becomes vulnerable to erosion caused by rain, wind, or flowing water. Stabilization methods create a protective layer over the soil surface, shielding it from these forces.
Common BMPs for Soil Stabilization
BMPs utilized for this purpose involve establishing a cover of some type over the exposed soils. This cover acts as a barrier, absorbing the impact of raindrops, slowing down water flow, and holding soil particles in place.
Here are some examples of materials used as covers, as mentioned in the reference:
- Mulch: Organic materials (like straw, wood chips) or inorganic materials (like gravel) spread over the soil surface.
- Staked Sod: Rolls or squares of grass sod laid over prepared soil and often staked down on slopes to prevent slippage.
- Riprap: Layers of large, angular rocks used to stabilize steep slopes or areas with concentrated water flow, like stream banks.
- Erosion Control Blankets: Mats made from materials like straw, coir, or wood fibers, often held together with netting, rolled out and secured over seeded or exposed soil.
- Other Material that Prevents Soil from Eroding: This can include hydroseeding (applying seed, mulch, and fertilizer in a slurry), geotextiles, or bonded fiber matrices.
These BMPs form a physical barrier that prevents soil particles from detaching and being transported by erosive forces. Choosing the appropriate BMP depends on factors like the slope of the land, soil type, climate, and the specific site conditions.
