Erosion Control

Ecosystem management: the common-sense approach to long-term erosion control

Erosion control through ecosystem management incorporates practices that work with the entire biological system rather than one particular species or commodity. The ecosystem approach recognizes that the interrelationships of organisms are not only important, but that the structure, function, and processes are interdependent. In addition to proper plant selection, ecosystem management incorporates study of a site's existing plant and animal communities, light, moisture, soils, slope, altitude, wind, and, if applicable, microclimate.

Ecosystem management's emphasis on biodiversity is a shift from the hardscape approach. In other words, ecosystem management works with nature while hardscape works against nature. A well-planned and executed biosystem both solves the erosion problem and continues to improve with time. The ecosystem approach makes good sense and has created a compelling demand for a wide range of native plant species for a variety of revegetation and resource-restoration objectives. Topsoil availability and retention is important in long-term erosion control efforts. For success with drastically disturbed sites, a carefully balanced program must be followed to rebuild a healthy, complex soil. Deep-rooted native plants play a key role in development and maintenance of a healthy soil that encourages the natural vegetation and resulting ecosystem that supports biosystemic erosion control. Contact Sharp Brothers at 660-885-7551 if you are interested in information about the native plant approach to erosion control.