Soil Erosion

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gamecoder.nz

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

lonemountain62.JPG

trestle31.JPG
 
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.
 
Old (or even new) sleepers great as retaining walls to hold back earth etc.
 
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
 
gamecoder.nz said:
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
Click to expand...
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
 
Having dealt with a pretty steep slope in my Garden at Hertford a picture of you location may help some.
 
Sedums work well as ground cover for this sort of thing. larger ones for larger areas.

it is the one time where something that spreads and can be a bit prolific is a good thing
 
adverse camber said:
Sedums work well as ground cover for this sort of thing. larger ones for larger areas.

it is the one time where something that spreads and can be a bit prolific is a good thing
Click to expand...
Indeed so, but there are so many of the Sedum family it can be a bit tricky to know where to pit ones choice. Sedum Acre is a great one for rapid spread BUT it can be invasive and ine you do not want to get near to your track as lifting it the tiniest little bubble left over will be growing quite rapidly before you now it. This link may help with some likely varieties.
ownyardlife.com

60 Types of Sedum Plants (With Pictures and Identification)

This guide introduces 60 stunning types of Sedum plants, complete with detailed descriptions, identification tips, and growing advice.
ownyardlife.com ownyardlife.com
 
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