Monday, May 1, 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 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.

There are quite a number of advantages associated with blankets as a means of soil erosion. The first advantage is the method is effective and efficient for controlling and curbing erosion and consequently stabilizing soil during and also after land alteration activities. Land alteration activities include mining activities, farming activities, exploration activities among others.

These blankets are preferred for their nature of spreading storm water runoff consequently preventing or controlling rill erosions that are experienced on slopes. The mats as well prevent sloughing of topsoil basically added to slopes that are steeper. For mats that are made of wood or any other decomposable material, the material will provide manure and other micro-organism to the 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.

There are many types of products generally and readily available for controlling loss of soil to water and wind. The selection of products to build your mat will depend on the following factors. The first factor worth considering is duration required which basically includes long term usage or short usage. For short term usage, use materials that are known to decompose much faster so that by the time your seeds are germinating the material used as blanket is already decomposing.

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.

Visual impact to people around the area should also be carefully considered. Do not use materials that are not environmental friendly. Synthetic materials are known to be biodegradable though their rate of decomposing is very slow compared to natural materials.




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