With the unprecedented drought in so many areas, many projects are rethinking erosion control and vegetation establishment. Competition for limited water resources combined with extremely low precipitation requires options for stabilization and restoration of disturbed soils. While hydroseeding has been a standard practice for seeding operations, the lack of water for both mixing and application has many contractors installing Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs). By first placing the seed on the soil and then rolling out the RECP on top, the seeds are protected until the weather cooperates and precipitation can germinate them. The blankets will also reduce the evaporation rate of any available moisture, assisting in full expression and eventual establishment. In doing a dry application the seeds can remain dormant without any risk of germination until the weather is ready to cooperate. Reducing the field mortality of seeds that germinate in dry conditions and then desiccate will result in better vegetation establishment.

RECPs offer many options for functional longevity and strength assuring project management teams of the performance necessary for the site conditions. Options for different fiber and netting types allow for the ideal product selection for any application. RECP’s installed over seed in dry areas can last years providing erosion control while vegetation slowly establishes. Extended term degradable RECP’s can offer up to three years of performance while dry conditions slow vegetation establishment. With a secure installation, the security provided in preventing erosion and the ability to install at any time even without a water source or extra equipment makes RECPs an ideal solution for drought conditions. With RECPs, crews can better finish an area as construction is completed, allowing teams to finish as they go. 

By completing areas with a dry application and RECP’s erosion is prevented and projects can be sure of the selected product performance based on decades of testing and evaluation. Completely biodegradable netting options provide an environmentally friendly, economical solution to erosion prevention, vegetation establishment and drought conditions.

 

By Alex Zimmerman