Whats the best way to keep topsoil from being blown away by strong winds?
Just as in B.02.15, keeping soil from being washed away by moving water, probably the best way to minimize soil from being blown away by strong winds is to use several of the preventive steps in combination. They are: • The use of ground covers and other plantings: Bare, dry soil is particularly vulnerable to erosion from winds. Sunset’s “Western Garden Book” has a good list of shrubs, vines, perennials, and ground covers that are recommended for the control of erosion. Grass does a good job as well. • The use of soil amendments: Strong winds dry out the soil and work to turn soil into dust. Organic material helps the soil resist the drying action of the wind by holding on to soil moisture. It also helps the soil maintain structure. Scratching in green manures, composted plant material or composted manures helps the soil resist erosion. • The use of protective structures: Most gardens need a suggestion of enclosure simply for the esthetics. Most also need a measure of protection from s
