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When selecting plants for erosion control or slope stabilization be sure to consider soil depth and drainage. Areas where erosion control is an issue, soil is usually lacking microorganisms and nutrients or suffering from compaction. Applying compost as mulch can be used as an erosion control material that also enhances soil. When tilled into the surface, compost modifies the physical soil properties, improving water-holding ability and resistance to compaction. The microorganisms in compost aid in the formation of soil aggregates, the building blocks of good soil structure. Spaces in the aggregates allow water to percolate the soil and air to reach plant roots. When soil particles aggregate together, they are less likely to erode during rainstorms. In clay soils compost reduces the bulk density and increases the porosity, thus improving the exchange of air and water through the soil. In sandy soils compost increases the water-holding capacity and soil aggregation. If you cannot amend the soil of the entire slope, amend it a hole at a time. Fast growing species that have spreading root systems will “hold” the soil in place quicker.
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