What is Erosion?

 

Erosion is the removal of topsoil faster than the soil forming processes can replace it, due to natural, animal, and human activity. Topsoil is the top layer of soil, and is the most fertile because it contains the most organic, nutrient-rich materials.  Soil erosion results in land infertility and leads to desertification and devastating flooding.  Soil erosion reduces cropland productivity and contributes to the pollution of adjacent watercourses, wetlands, and lakes.  Sediment that reaches streams or watercourses can accelerate bank erosion, obstruct stream and drainage channels, fill in reservoirs, damage fish habitat and degrade downstream water quality. Pesticides and fertilizers, frequently transported along with the eroding soil, contaminate or pollute downstream water sources, wetlands and lakes.  Half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years.  It is estimated that 20 percent of the world's topsoil was lost during 1950-1990, and its loss is continuing at a faster rate.

 

What is Erosion Control?

 

Erosion control is the practice of preventing or controlling wind or water erosion in agriculture, land development, coastal areas, riverbanks and construction.  In order to prevent erosion we must protect the slope, divert the water supply, establish vegetation, and remove sediment.  Phoenix Paper Products has a full line of high quality products to meet your individual needs, while also reducing our carbon footprint by utilizing renewable materials.  

 

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." – New England proverb 

Phoenix Paper Products is proud to be a member of the International Erosion Control Association.  For more information or to become a member of the IECA, please visit www.ieca.org