Erosion Control

Erosion Control Products

One of the primary goals of most land restoration seeding projects is to minimize soil movement or loss and water pollution.

For those projects that require techniques and materials to help prevent soil loss and water pollution Stevenson Intermountain Seed, Inc. offers a selection of erosion control products. Depending on the specific needs of each individual project various materials and methods are available to minimize soil movement and loss.

Mulches

Mulches have been used for many years and are very valuable in protecting the soil from erosive forces and to enhance seed germination and seedling establishment. Several types of mulches are available including:

1. Loose Mulches, which are usually in the form of loose straw and hay fibers, which are spread dry to cover the soils.
2. Hydraulic Mulches, which are composed of wood, wood cellulose, paper, pulp or cardboard fibers and are applied with water by a hydraulic seeder/mulch unit.

Rolled Erosion-Control Products (RECPS)

These products consist of prefabricated rolled products made from various materials and styles to accomplish various goals.

The major types of products in this category are as follows:

1. Mulch-Control Netting (MCN)
   This material is used to cover and anchor loose fiber mulches such as hay or straw and consists of two-dimensional woven fibers that form netting.
2. Open-Weave Textile Netting (OWT)
   These products are made from closely woven polyolefin yarns to form a mesh that protects the seed and soil especially on steeper slopes.
3. Erosion-Control Blankets (ECB)
   These products are degradable and composed of processed natural polymer fibers that are bound together to form a blanket to cover the soil and seed to control erosion and help seed germination and vegetation establishment. These blankets are usually made from straw, wood excelsior, coconut, polypropylene or a combination of the above and come in various configurations and sizes including log or tube shaped units.
4. Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRM)
   These products consist of a long-term nondegradable mat of synthetic fibers that is used for permanent and critical hydraulic applications.

Tackifiers

Tackifiers are glue-like liquids that are sprayed on the soil or mulch fibers to anchor them together. They are composed of either organic or non-organic materials. Tackifiers can also be used to control dust.