Erosion control

Is it better to control erosion with netting or other synthetic products or natural plant material. More than that, is erosion always a bad thing?

Most people think of erosion and they think of it as a bad thing. In many cases it can mean losing precious farm land, making the land less productive and yes, that erosion can be bad. However, without erosion southern Utah/northern Arizona would have nothing. The Grand Canyon and Arches National Park are examples of natural erosion that causes natural beauty that people are willing to pay for, and each state uses those areas to bring in tourism.

When erosion happens on farmland however, problems begin to happen. The top soil is the most fertile and productive part of a soil profile. So how should erosion be slowed. Notice I said slowed, not prevented. Soil erosion is not something that can be completely prevented, unless there is nothing but concrete over ever inch of the earths' surface. I know we don't want that.

Different landscapes require different erosion control depending on soil texture, soil structure, slope, plants, etc. For example, Erosion control Journal has an article on shoreline erosion. Shoreline erosion is a natural thing. Its how beaches are created and moved along a coast. With human interference, problems can arise. This article specifically deals with coastal erosion but shoreline erosion is happening right here in Cache Valley. Cutler reservoir loses 61 tons of soil into the lake every year. Dr. Bob Newhall with the USU extension is currently working on a project to help control soil erosion on the coast of Cutler Reservoir.

Erosion is a big issue, big enough to have its own journals, websites, books, and whatnot. So keep your eyes out for erosion, just watch out that you don't get soil in your eyes.