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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » SWRC » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #170116
Title: EROSION MECHANICAL CONTROL 1662

Author
item Nichols, Mary
item RENARD, KENNETH - RETIRED ARS
item Nearing, Mark
item Stone, Jeffry

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Water Science
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2004
Publication Date: 4/1/2005
Citation: Nichols, M.H., Renard, K.G., Nearing, M.A., Stone, J.J. 2005. Erosion mechanical control. Online Encyclopedia of Water Science. 1(1). Available: http://www2.dekker.com/sdek/abstract~db=enc~content=a713595839.

Interpretive Summary: Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process. Accelerated erosion is a problem common to agriculture, mining, and construction wherever natural cover is reduced and soil is left unprotected. The soil can be protected through mechanical erosion control measures to reduce runoff and prevent surface scour. In addition to preventing erosion, many of the measures can be installed to rehabilitate degraded lands. Often, mechanical erosion controls are applied in combination with effort to improve vegetation on vulnerable sites. The general goals of erosion control technologies are to alter runoff patterns and protect the soil surface, thereby reducing the erosive power of water. This chapter reviews erosion control technologies to reduce overland flow, protect soil surfaces, reduce erosion in channels, and to detain sediment.

Technical Abstract: Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process. Accelerated erosion is a problem common to agriculture, mining, and construction wherever natural cover is reduced and soil is left unprotected. Mechanical erosion control measures are implemented to minimize onsite and offsite impacts of these activities, as well as to rehabilitate degraded lands. Often, mechanical erosion controls are applied in combination with vegetative erosion control techniques. The general goals of erosion control technologies are to alter runoff patterns and protect the soil surface, thereby reducing the erosive power of water. This chapter reviews mechanical erosion control technologies and the hydrologic and erosion processes they affect.