Water is definitely a powerful element, one that should not be underestimated. Erosion control is not about controlling water, it is about guiding it, giving it a place to go, not trying to hold it back. Here, when it rains, it rains hard. The ground is often so dry that the water runs off it and can cause a lot of damage. This is something to consider when choosing a building site and when preparing the foundation. You do not want torrents of run-off getting in, around or under your home.

Plants
Other than foresight, plants are one of the best ways to control erosion. They’ll suck up water, and their root structure will help hold the earth together. Just look at the damage caused when large chunks of rain forest are cut down.

Condition of Soil
Organic matter can hold many times its weight in water. Soils with high organic content for the top twelve inches of soil can hold more than ten times the amount of water as depleted soils. Runoff is an indicator of poor soils.

Trenches
Trenches are another good way to divert water away from where you don’t want it to where it can be useful. We have a trench system across our property that carries water away from the buildings and into our outside garden. The garden is terraced, which slows down the flow and allows the plants to soak it up. Terraces and trenches should slope VERY slightly, like 1 in 100 or even 1 in 200. Trenches should preferably be grassed as well.

In this type of water diversion system, your trenches must be large enough to disperse an unimaginable amount of water, just in case. We have seen rains of over 5 inches within an hour out here, and all of a sudden, the desert is flooded. Wide and shallow is much better than narrow and deep. Keep trenches cleared of debris and avoid animals bedding in them, as it is usually a comfortable place to be.

On the downhill side of a trench is an excellent place for trees. Trees can help hold the soil in place and soak up the excess water. There are also very good mulch sources, which will provide organic matter for the soil.