Planting to Control Erosion and Protect Ecosystems

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The soil beneath our feet is the foundation of all life. We rely on healthy, fertile soil for everything from growing our food to supporting our largest buildings. Considering the role soil health plays in everyday life, it’s an environmental issue that is often overlooked.

After centuries of land development across the globe, erosion has skyrocketed. Scientists estimate we’ve lost 50 percent of the Earth’s topsoil since 1850, resulting in a decline in soil health and an increase in groundwater pollution.

When it is necessary to disturb the land, appropriate vegetation is needed to stabilize the disturbed areas. Native plants are a great tool for reclaiming disturbed sites.

Germination of a steep slope seed mix during the first growing season for erosion control.

Benefits of Using Native Species for Erosion Control

One of the most effective ways to fight erosion and water run-off is to plant native seed mixes appropriate to the site. Native plants are able to create a healthy environment more than other types of plant due to a few distinct, built-in advantages. Native seed mixes have a combination of species with deep and fibrous roots. These roots help to stabilize the soil by anchoring and knitting it together. The foliage of native plants also intercepts rainfall to minimize the force of droplet impact on the soil. All of this works together to reduce erosion and facilitates rainwater infiltration into the soil.

By planting native species, you can reduce erosion while providing natural habitat for native pollinators and wildlife.

Reduced run-off and sedimentation – Native plants evolved with soil conditions and weather specific to the local environment, which means their root systems are stronger, deeper and more stable than non-native or plants not indigenous to that region. This decreases runoff and sedimentation via improved groundwater filtration.
Stabilized landscaping – The root systems from native plants grab a firmer hold of the soil than non-native vegetation, which naturally stabilizes the surrounding ground area. This improves soil and plant health while controlling erosion.
Improved habitats for pollinators and other wildlife – When soil is strong and healthy, the entire ecosystem benefits. Native plants provide the ideal habitat for small animals and several different pollinator species by providing nutrients, shade and stability for all living things in the local area.

Seedlings from a steep slope mix poking through an erosion control blanket.

ERNMX-181 Native Steep Slope mix with Annual Ryegrass in Morgantown, West Virginia

Additional Considerations When Planting for Erosion Control

Carefully review the herbicides you are using – Some herbicides may have the potential for chemicals remaining in the soil and preventing your seed from germinating.
The need for continued maintenance – Your native plant site will need a little extra attention for its first few growing seasons. Mowing vegetation that grows higher than two feet back to eight inches, plus spraying and removing the weeds are two of the best ways to ensure your native meadow can thrive.
Slope of the site – If the slope is steeper than 3:1, then you will need a steep slope mix such as ERNMX-181, ERNMX-181-1 or ERNMX-181-2. If your steep slope has a seep, Ernst can create a wet meadow mix for it. If it is in partial share, we can create a partially shade tolerant mix for you.
Position of the slope – If your slope ends at a sidewalk, it is appropriate to plant a strip of lawn twice the width of a lawn mower at the base of the slope. This lawn buffer will prevent the taller species in the meadow mix from leaning into the sidewalk and creating a trip hazard.

For best aesthetics, these sites benefit from maintenance identical to those of our standard upland meadow mixes.

Control Erosion and Revegetate with Native Seeds

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If you want to stabilize the local environment while boosting pollinator populations, take the first step by finding the right native seed mixes for your area. Our Erosion Control & Revegetation seed mixes are designed to increase soil health while providing food and cover for local wildlife. Find the mix best for your site by using our Seed Finder Tool.