When it comes to controlling erosion, erosion control mats, netting, and blankets provide ample protection for soil in areas that are vulnerable to damage from wind and water erosion. These erosion control mats and blankets are manufactured using many types of materials, including wood excelsior, coco coir, other natural fibers, and synthetic materials. This review will examine wood excelsior and coco coir specifically, as well as uses and applications for erosion control mats and blankets.
Wood Excelsior
Wood excelsior erosion control mats are biodegradable and help maintain areas heavily affected by erosion. Wood excelsior (also known as wood wool) mats are natural products made from tiny slivers of wood fiber. Providing soil stabilization to hills, banks, and shores, wood excelsior mats are an effective means of controlling and alleviating the effects of wind and water erosion. The wood excelsior erosion control mats have short life spans, so once the vegetation begins to grow and flourish, the mat will degrade without interfering with its growth.
Coco Coir
Coco coir erosion control mats and blankets are made from coconut fibers found between the outer coconut shell and the seed within. Coconut fibers are incredibly strong, which enables the coco coir erosion control mats to be durable and nearly indestructible. Coco coir mats can be used repeatedly, so they will last season after season. In addition, coconut fibers are natural products. Thus, coco coir erosion mats are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Coco coir erosion control mats protect, support, and secure the soil, allowing young seedlings to grow unrestricted.
Uses and Applications
Both wood excelsior erosion control mats and coco coir erosion control blankets are used for a variety of gardening, landscaping, agricultural, and large-scale construction projects. Both the wood and coir types of erosion control mats are held together with netting and must be anchored with staples or stakes to the soil during installation. Wood excelsior and coco coir erosion control blankets can be used in any climate or environment.
Wood excelsior erosion control blankets are typically used on slopes to help with slope stabilization as well as hill stabilization. Additionally, wood excelsior erosion control blankets can be used to assist with the growth and support of vegetation in areas affected by erosion. The erosion blanket helps protect the soil and surrounding vegetation from not only wind and water elements but also animals that feed on the plant seeds.
Coco coir erosion control blankets are used for slopes, wetlands, protected environmental areas, and shorelines. Coco coir erosion control blankets help mitigate the effects of erosion by holding the soil in place. This prevents the dirt and vegetation from getting swept away by water or wind.
Whether an erosion control mat or blanket is made of wood excelsior or coco coir, it will help protect the soil and defend against erosion in almost any situation. Wood excelsior and coco coir fibers are similar, and both provide their own set of benefits when used as a method of erosion control in a garden, landscape, or construction site.