Abstract: A process for treating soil which comprises applying to the soil an aqueous solution of a formaldehyde-based pre-condensate containing a condensation initiator in an amount sufficient for condensation to be completed within a predetermined period of time not exceeding 24 hours. Preferably a urea-formaldehyde pre-condensate is used. Advantageously the solution also contains a polysaccharide (alginic acid, alginate, low methoxyl pectin, gum karaya, gum arabic) which is capable of forming a gel with divalent metal cations, particularly calcium, present in soil.The treated soil has improved erosion resistance.