Controlling Soil Erosion

What causes erosion? Erosion - the washing away of soil on slopes by the runoff of surface water - results when the soil is left more or less bare and is so handled that it lacks humus to absorb moisture.

Please tell me how to handle a lot that is very sandy and slopes. The water washes the soil off as fast as it is replaced. I had though of making about 3 different elevations (terraces). Is this too many for a garden about 50 ft. deep? If the slope is not too steep, the trouble may be overcome by increasing the organic content of the soil through the use of green manures, strawy manure (if you can get it), compost, or peat moss. On steep slopes handle the situation by strip-working the lot, or by terracing with railroad ties or stonework. Two terraces should be sufficient on a 50-ft. lot unless the grade is very steep.

How do you keep sharp slopes from opening and washing out? Avoid cultivation near and in these areas. If practical, plant black locust trees (small) to hold soil. If possible, build walls to form terraces on steep slopes.

What suggestions do you have for hillside soil that is mostly decomposed granite? Prepare small pockets or local areas of good soil by using compost or peat moss, and use plants which root as they spread. Crown vetch will hold such a hillside once it is established.

How can one improve clay soil on a hillside to make it good garden soil? Add compost, spade under, and plant ground covers (ornamental) to hold soil in place. If wanted for vegetables, arrange the slop in terraces.