SoilErosion.com

Soil Erosion Problems and Solutions

soilerosionst

Stabilization Fabric: Woven vs Non-Woven

As its name suggests, stabilization fabric is a stabilizer and an effective erosion control method. Stabilization fabric is also important for roads and other structures, in that it helps the structure support massive amounts of weight consistently. This review will cover woven and non-woven stabilization fabric as well as uses and applications of stabilization fabric.

What Is Stabilization Fabric?

Stabilization fabric, referred to as geotextile, is used across many industries and has countless uses and applications. Geotextiles provide an abundance of benefits to the area in which they are installed. This durable stabilization fabric is used for soil stabilization, to separate soil from rock, to assist with filtering and drainage, and as an erosion control method. Stabilization fabric can be woven or non-woven and can be customized for use on any kind of project and in any capacity.

Woven Stabilization Fabric

Woven stabilization fabric is manufactured through a meticulous weaving process. Thanks to its design, woven stabilization fabric is incredibly strong, making it a viable solution for heavy-duty projects such as road construction. Because this stabilization fabric is woven tightly together, it’s not ideal for projects involving draining or filtering.

Woven stabilization fabric is made to be long-lasting, so it’s a good choice for long-term projects. Woven stabilization fabric is the layer of extra support that roads and rock structures require for maximum stabilization and security. Without this protective layer, water would flow through cracks in the road or pavement and damage the underlying soil, which would weaken the road’s overall structure. This fabric helps extend the lives of roads and highways.

Non-Woven Stabilization Fabric

Non-woven stabilization fabric is commonly made by fusing various synthetic materials together using chemicals or heat. Despite being composed of synthetic materials, non-woven fabric is durable, versatile, and allows water to pass through it easily. The porosity of non-woven stabilization fabric allows it to filter water while holding the soil in place. 

Non-woven stabilization fabric is most effective when used for filtering or separating purposes on large-scale construction projects or smaller landscaping projects. When used for separating, non-woven stabilization fabric provides a layer of support between the soil and riprap. 

Uses and Applications

Stabilization fabric can be used in conjunction with soil and rock for many purposes throughout a wide range of industries. Stabilization fabric’s primary uses include separating soil from rock, stabilizing soil, draining a location of flooding water, filtering water, supporting storm drains, and protecting areas against erosion.

Stabilization fabric can be implemented underneath roads or airport runways to support the soil. Additionally, stabilization fabric can be found on construction sites as a layer of protection for the soil. Woven stabilization fabric can be applied to pavement, roads, railroads, building structures, and riprap.

Stabilization fabric is another line of defense in the battle against erosion, and it has a variety of supplemental uses, as well. Any kind of stabilization fabric will benefit the area in which it’s installed, as you can never have too much support for soil in areas affected by erosion.

How Dewatering Bags Help With Soil Erosion

Soil erosion causes silt, sand, and dirt to collect in streams and surrounding properties. This can be damaging to landscapes and construction. To address soil erosion in these situations, dewatering bags are an economical and practical option. Dewatering bags remove sediment and silt from a site by filtering water through geotextile material. There various sizes and capacities of bags to suit your needs.

Dewatering Bag Overview

Dewatering bags are designed to filter sludge, sediment, and silt from a work site, construction site, or another field of operation. Bags are placed strategically on a site, and water is directed into them. As the water moves through the geotextile fabric of the dewatering bag, sediment is captured inside for later disposal. 

There are many benefits to dewatering bags. They remove water from silt and soil without a container, reduce waste volume, use internal pressure for dewatering, remove contaminants from water, can be used in hard-to-access locations, and are relatively easy to use. Each bag’s structural integrity and flow depends on the soil type and area.

Bags are available in different sizes and with various filter properties. Fabric ratings determine how quickly and thoroughly water can filter out, which allows you to estimate pumping rates. The capacity of dewatering bags is based on soil composition, site conditions, and use. You will only know what a dewatering bag is capable of on your site once it’s been field-tested.

Discharge Hose

Each bag is designed to handle a certain size discharge hose. This is how water is guided from the point of origin to the dewatering bag. Most bags have holes designed for a specific-size tube. Alternatively, you can make a small incision in the fabric to allow a hose to be fed through. Once placed, tie the fabric to the hose using wire, ties, ropes, or other materials to seal the entrance. 

Bag Placement

Dewatering bags are rugged but not indestructible. To get the best results from dewatering bags, it’s important to place them appropriately. Be sure to look for sharp rocks or edges before placing the bag to avoid rupturing the fabric. They are not recommended for use on steep slopes, as the bags can roll. 

It’s also a good idea to find a porous surface on which to lay the bag, as this will allow the filtered water to soak quickly into the ground. It’s also important to direct water runoff or place the bag somewhere that won’t result in further soil erosion. 

Complying With Regulations

Dewatering bags can also help your job site or location stay in compliance with both local and federal stormwater regulations. Some states and cities have regulations that differ from national guidelines, so it’s important to research these requirements before installing dewatering bags. 

When it comes to preventing and addressing soil erosion, there are a lot of products on the market. One of the easiest and most economical solutions is dewatering bags. Try dewatering bags to address soil erosion on your property, construction site, dredging area, and more.

How to Use Jute Mesh for Erosion Control

One of the biggest problems gardeners and landscapers face is erosion control. Established plants help hold soil in place, but it can be difficult to get plants to stay on a sloped bank long enough to become established. Erosion control mats are a great way to counteract this problem. Try jute mesh for erosion control in your landscaping.

What Is Jute?

Jute, also called hessian, is a natural fiber that comes from the stem of the jute plant. These plants grow mainly in India, Bangladesh, and other Asian countries. Jute is one of the most widely available natural fibers and alongside coconut coir is one of the most popular natural fibers for ropes, bags, and other materials. The fiber of jute is off-white to brown and 3-10 feet long. Jute fabrics are often called hessian cloth, gunny bags, or burlap. 

Jute Mesh

Made from the woven fibers of the jute plant, jute mesh is a biodegradable, natural, and flexible material used for temporary erosion control and selective plant establishment. Jute mesh has openings in the weaves that trap seeds and provide a protective environment for germination. This mesh allows light and water to pass through, encouraging strong plant growth and enhanced mineral content in the soil. 

Jute Mesh for Erosion Control

Jute mesh can help prevent erosion on riverbanks, embankments, slopes, and other landscape features. It is commonly applied to roadside and general landscaping, garden and plant beds, wetlands and land reclamation, and other land features prone to erosion. To use jute mesh for erosion control correctly, first you must clear away debris and excess weeds from the slope or plain where you plan to place the mesh. 

Lay the jute mesh blankets across the cleared area, securing them in place with stakes every few feet. Once you have secured the mesh, add seeds or grass to prevent erosion. Because it is a natural product, jute mesh will biodegrade within six to 12 months. As an alternative, coir blankets and mats are great natural options for erosion control, especially when you need something that lasts longer and provides more support. 

Coir for Erosion Control

Coir erosion control mats are one of the most popular options for preventing the destruction of vegetation and landscaping. Coir fiber mats and blankets can be used to stabilize a location and prevent slides. They are woven from longer coir fibers, which come from mature brown coconut husks. This particular weave leaves openings that are wide enough to let plants to take root. On average, coir mats provide solid support for up to five years, which is enough time to allow vegetation to take root, grow, and stabilize. In addition, coir blankets and mats are relatively easy to install. 

Biodegradable jute mesh and coir mats offer excellent ways to prevent soil erosion while considering the environmental impact of your garden features. They will hold soil and seedlings in place until plants are well-established to prevent erosion. Try these tips to ensure you get the most out of your jute and coir erosion control mats. 

Tips for Using Riprap and Rockscaping

Riprap and rockscaping are an alternative to traditional mulch for landscaping in any kind of environment. Rocks are versatile; they can be used for erosion control and many other landscaping needs. This review will cover the benefits of using riprap for rockscaping and tips for doing it yourself.

What Is Riprap?

Riprap consists of rocks of varying shapes and sizes that are layered on top of one another. The purpose of riprap is to protect the soil and control erosion. The sizes of the rocks used in riprap depend on the kind of project and the terrain on which it is being used.

The Applications of Riprap

The primary use for riprap is to hold soil in place, especially on slopes and other areas where soil can be disturbed by water or wind. Riprap can be used on steep slopes, along lakeshores and riverbanks, and around bridge foundations and supports. In addition, rocks can be used to inhibit weed growth, anchor the soil, and prevent erosion in landscaping and gardening projects.

The Benefits of Riprap

Riprap is a strong and durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. You don’t have to worry about replacing the rocks like you would with traditional mulch, which needs to be replaced frequently. Rocks and stones also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional mulches in many kinds of gardens. 

You can use rocks in conjunction with landscape netting to minimize erosion and control the growth of weeds. However, it’s important to note that you’ll likely need to weed the area if there are any large gaps between the rocks.

Tips for Rockscaping

Make sure that your riprap includes rocks of numerous shapes and sizes. A variety of sizes will cause the rocks to lock in tightly, preventing them from shifting. You can use riprap under decks and patios and around fire pits and the perimeters of buildings. It is best to use rocks around shrubs, trees, and vegetation that do not need to be replanted every season (and, hence, require you to regularly move rocks).

Using rocks in conjunction with coconut coir landscape netting can help keep seeds and soil from being swept away by wind and water. Coir fibers are extremely strong and environmentally friendly. The fibers will eventually biodegrade, and, as the organic coir fibers naturally decompose, they will mix with the soil, providing supplemental nutrients for the plants. 

Using coir landscape netting with rockscaping can help protect the soil and the surrounding vegetation from being damaged by strong winds and water. Coir landscape netting is especially beneficial for sloped areas; the coir fibers absorb water and slow the speed of its flow, preventing it from washing away vegetation and soil.

Follow these tips to combat erosion and inhibit weed growth in your garden and landscaping. Riprap and rockscaping can embellish your landscape and protect your plants. Give rockscaping a try for your next gardening or landscaping project.

How to Use Bags of Gravel and Rock for Erosion Control

Erosion is when soil and rocks are worn away over time by wind and water. Controlling erosion is especially important in construction, agriculture, and large-scale land development. There are many methods of erosion control, but the most effective methods use rocks or sand as a barrier against wind and water. This review will highlight the use of bags of gravel to control erosion.

What Are Gravel Bags?

The gravel bags used for erosion control are typically manufactured from heavy-duty plastic or burlap fibers. They are resistant to UV light, making them suitable for long-term outdoor use. Gravel bags are usually sold in thick and thin versions, as either individual bags or as a large roll of bags. 

Essentially, you purchase a bag and fill it on-site with gravel or sand. Once your bag is filled with the desired proportion of gravel, you use it to block and filter sediment away from the area. This protects storm drains in and around your site.

How Do Gravel Bags Work?

Gravel bags come in various shapes and sizes. Some are flexible, letting you adjust their shapes to fit any location. These bags help support and filter the area around storm drains, inlets, and curbs. Using several bags of gravel will help slow water flow and filter sediment from the water. Gravel bags also help hold the soil in place, preventing it from being swept away by water.

Applications

Gravel bags are frequently used for large-scale construction and agricultural projects. Using numerous bags of gravel helps minimize erosion and protects the areas around inlets, curbs, and drains. Because these bags are designed to be used on construction sites, they are incredibly durable and intended for long-term use. Gravel bags can be driven over and emerge undamaged. You can adjust how much gravel is put in each bag to meet the construction site’s flow, sediment, and filtration requirements.

For extensive construction projects, it’s helpful to use gravel bags in conjunction with coir wattles or coir fiber logs to control erosion. Coir wattles keep the sediment intact so that it’s not disrupted or extracted by the equipment during construction. They also filter stormwater runoff from construction sites, helping prevent sediment and hazardous materials from entering nearby storm drains.

You can also use coir fiber logs with gravel bags. Coir fiber logs are manufactured from all-natural coir fibers and rolled into a cylindrical shape. The unique shape of coir logs allows them to be used in banks for stabilization and support and in pools of standing water. Coir fiber logs and coir wattles are made from organic materials and are completely biodegradable. After a couple of years, the coir fibers will decompose and become part of the surrounding soil, providing valuable nutrients to the vegetation.

Gravel bags are an effective tool for preventing erosion in sizable construction, landscaping, and agricultural projects. They are practical, flexible, and indestructible. Manage erosion around your project with bags of gravel and you’ll be helping the environment while keeping your site clean.