Tuesday, May 2, 2017

The Important Tips On Erosion Control Blankets

By Ann Reynolds


This is considered a practice that generally involve material application and more specifically organic materials to create a cover on top of soil surface to protect it from displacement. The practice is aimed at regulating or preventing water or wind erosion in agriculture, river banks, coastal areas, land development and on construction sites. One of the methods mostly used for curbing this menace is erosion control blankets which is an effective method with many benefits to the soil.

This method of controlling soil loss to wind and water works in the same way as mulching and they can be used interchangeably. When choosing the blanket to use, consider soil conditions, length of slope, steepness of slope and duration the mat will be used. Due diligence should be exercised when choosing these blankets in order to select the most suitable mat for a certain project needs.

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.

Mulching is also beneficial since it fosters or facilitates the growth of grass or vegetation, insulates the soil, reduce evaporation and eventually suppress weed growth. When there are heavy rains, there is a tendency of soil being displaced through splash loss. Using mulching method, one can protect or provide cover to the soil surface hence reducing the impact of raindrops forces and overland flow.

When mats are used with seed mix, they offer protection to mix and prevent them from being eroded when it rains heavily. They are known for increasing soil moisture retention hence promoting seed germination. However, the important and most crucial role of blankets is soil erosion prevention. To get it right from the first trial, it is wise that you consult your district landscape architect basically for more guidance.

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.




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