Erosion Control Pilot Project in the Placitas Open Space:
Permaculture Methods

Plant roots -- particularly roots of native grasses -- hold moisture and soil in place and reduce soil compaction. Loss of vegetation in the Placitas Open Space due to pipeline construction, drought and overgrazing has led to increased water runoff during heavy rains (rather than percolating downward into the soil, water runs across the surface). The runoff washes away precious topsoil, with its concentrated nutrients. This loss makes it harder for plants to grow, creating a downward spiral in land health. The runoff also causes "headcuts" -- abrupt drop-offs in soil elevation that form the leading edge of gullies. Overtime, headcuts and gullies grow larger, increasing erosion and soil loss.

Coronado SWCD's Erosion Control Pilot Project in the Placitas Open Space is using permaculture methods to halt erosion. Volunteers and staff are using hand tools to create raised berms along land contours, digging pockets alongside the berms, and filling the pockets with straw. Berms, swales (depressions between berms) and sponge pockets slow water runoff, soil loss, and development of gullies.

The photos below were taken last year during a student workshop sponsored by the Albuquerque Open Space Division. Hold your cursor over the photo to see the caption; click the photo for a larger image. We'll be posting photos of the current project soon.

An Albuquerque high school student creates a berm along a natural contour.

A "sponge pocket" is created along the berms and straw is tucked inside.

The finished sponge pocket, filled with straw, slows run-off, allowing water to percolate downward.

Juniper boughs are woven over the berm to protect it.

Berms (covered with green juniper boughs in the photo) and swales protect headcuts below from growing and creating gullies.

Photo credits: Joanne McEntire, Querencia Green