Re: Does grass prevent soil from being washed away?

Dear Nikki,

Grass is very important in preventing soil from being washed away.  When 
rain drops hit bare soil they can move down hill quickly.  The faster the 
water is moving, the more soil it can carry away.  If there is grass it 
slows the water down, because the water has to go around grass blades. 

The roots of grass are also important.  The roots are like lots of little 
nets in the ground helping to hold the soil in place. Soil being held by 
roots is much harder to wash away than soil with no roots. 

Grass is not the only thing that prevents erosion.  All plants help 
prevent soil erosion.

Next time you're on a long car ride try to look for bare soil next to soil 
that has things growing on it.  You might notice that the bare soil has 
been washed away.  You might see small channels where water runs.  A good 
place to see the differences is a hill.

Tarrah