jeudi 27 avril 2017

The Important Tips On Erosion Control Blankets

By Ann Reynolds


This is a practice that involves application of materials especially organic materials to form some kind of temporary and protective cover for the soil. The practice can actually be implemented as pre-made blanket or even applied as mulch. When organic mulches are used to form blanket is very recommendable since it later decomposes to form manure. Erosion control blankets are quite useful in some critical areas like swales, slopes steeper and long channels.

This practice or method is mainly used for controlling loss of soil caused by water as a result of heavy rains. Mulching or mats are effective techniques used in minimizing erosive effect of splash erosion. The mats are place on newly planted soil or bare lands. The use of mats usually stabilizes the covered soil and protects the seeds that are planted. The chances of sediments being introduced into your land are minimized and one can have a weed free farm.

The major benefits of using these semi-permanent erosion control mats include protection or safeguarding the seed and also soil from the impact of raindrops and subsequent displacement. The other benefit is moisture retention and thermal consistency for seedbed area. In areas where there is mulching done or mat is place as a cover, legumes and grasses germinates faster and stronger.

The materials used to make the blanket are straws, coconut, wood excelsior and in some cases geotextile woven materials like polypropylene. These mats are more effective for stabilizing soils found on steep areas to moderate slopes, drainage swales, new landscaped areas and ditches about to be seeded or planted. Other additional advantages include, the use of mats will increase or facilitate water infiltration into soil.

Other benefits of mats as a means of controlling soil erosion basically include reducing flow velocities, minimize soil moisture loss, moderate soil temperatures and increase micro-organism activities. The cover also prevents crusting, provide suitable and favorable micro-climate that is necessary for seed germination among other benefits. Mulching is also known for increasing infiltration in the soil.

The other type is biodegradable control blanket which is a natural fiber mat basically held together mostly by netting to provide cover on slopes and stop soil loss. Another type is permanent mat which is a synthetic mat material which provides a more permanent solution to erosion menace. The last type is known as turf reinforcement mat.

The second factor to consider is effectiveness and one is expected to select a material that is more effective compared to the rest of stabilizers. The third factor is the associated cost of purchasing, installing and also maintenance. Cost should be considered carefully so as to avoid being exploited in any way.

Permanent control mats also referred to as permanent soil strengthening mats or simply turf-reinforcement mats. The mats are also quite effective in preventing sediment brought by storm-water flows to be deposited into your land. During installation process, one should get rid of all rocks, debris and clods. The site should also be thoroughly inspected during installation.




About the Author: