Soil Erosion

[gamecoder.nz]

Hi all,

On my layout I have some steep slopes from 1:1 to a cliff face. I don't have access to large rocks so could I go about prevent erosion? I was thinking ground cover plants but the roots appear too shallow.

 

[HobbitFertang]

Hi, what kind of soil or rock does the slope consist of? This will determine what kind of remedial measures are open to you.

 

[HobbitFertang]

You could try astroturf nailed in place using non-rusting tent pegs??

 

[korm kormsen]

during physics teachings they must have sent me frequently to get chalk for the blackboard...

but one thing stuck - any bulk material, from flour to rocks, does not stay stable, if it is poured steeper than 45° / one in one inclined.
if one keeps that in mind, minimal measures are needed against wind and rain erosion.
that could be any roots from weeds or grass, leftover rests of any cloth, just below the surface.
or it could be fancy stuff, serving as part of the model landscape. like stakes, that hold horizontal beams or trunks or other stuff.
or even more vertical, wooden (i forgot the name) walls.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Yeah, the big question is how high?

You can use netting with plastic pegs, which will allow natural re-seeding. Plants and small shrubs are always going to be best to hold back a bank, but as Korm says, once you go past the 45 degree batter, then you need to be thinking of mechanical support.

Has anybody some across mini-gabions for modelling use? They would work.

 

[korm kormsen]

gabions

hah! that was the word i was missing! thanks.

gabions, any size, are built just like blockhouses. just with the indentions a little less pronounced, that between the beams are left some slits, where water can run out.

 

[JimmyB]

Old (or even new) sleepers great as retaining walls to hold back earth etc.

 

[gamecoder.nz]

Thanks everyone for you great advice. As an example one slope will start at 83cm and go up to 90cm and be 31cm across so yes it's quite steep and I'm thinking of using bricks underneath the track at the top

 

[Rhinochugger]

Thanks everyone for you great advice. As an example one slope will start at 83cm and go up to 90cm and be 31cm across so yes it's quite steep and I'm thinking of using bricks underneath the track at the top

It's quite possible to use dry-laid bricks to retain some soil, but at 900mm I would be tempted to cut back something of an angle - even 10 degrees would help

 

[GAP]

You could always terrace across the slope and plant them out.
It slows down the water and give it a chance to soak in.

 

[gamecoder.nz]

You could always terrace across the slope and plant them out.
It slows down the water and give it a chance to soak in.

Interesting. I looked into this and this seems to be the way to go. I can terrace the soil, mix in some compost and grow ground cover plants on the levels and slopes.