Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #31



 

Many of the Erosion Control Products like Rolled Erosion Control Blankets, Turf Reinforcement Mats, tied concrete block mats, and other manufactured products rely on vegetation for permanent stabilization.  This means that the soil underneath these products must be of the quality to support vegetation.  Eric Marsal of the American Excelsior Company and John Slupeki of Motz Enterprises Inc. (Flexamat) have helped me develop the following list of things to remember about getting vegetation established for these erosion control  products:

 

  • Take a soil test to know the lime and fertilizer requirements.
  • Eliminate compaction problems.  Roots can’t penetrate compacted layers.
  • Caution: DON’T rip the soil in the direction of flowing surface water.  This can result in erosion.  Rip or disc the soil perpendicular to water flow if possible. Rototilling can be done in either direction.
  • Correct a low pH by INCORPORATING lime.  Acid soils need lime to raise the pH to acceptable levels following soil test recommendations.
  • Incorporate your soil test recommended fertilizer (can be incorporated with the lime).
  • Prior to seeding make sure the surface is smooth.
  • Apply the recommended seed to the surface and cover the seed the appropriate depth.
  • The manufacturer may also want some straw mulch applied (Check with the manufacturer).
  • Install and fasten the blanket, TRM, or tied concrete mats per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

These products rely on vegetation to provide long term erosion control.  Spend the time to GET IT RIGHT.

 

 

Perry L Oakes, PE

Erosion and Sediment Control Program Coordinator

AL Soil and Water Conservation Committee

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