There are many techniques for managing erosion and retaining soils. Learn about sloping drains, vegetative establishment, inlet inserts, and hydraulic mulches. Regardless of your specific situation, erosion and sediment control is crucial for your property. Below, we look at a few of the most popular practices for controlling erosion and retaining soil.
Slope drains
Managing slope drainage requires the implementation of best management practices for slope drains. It involves determining the appropriate slope drain for the project location, establishing the slope’s length, and installing a suitable slope drain. Temporary slope drains capture surface runoff from interim ditches and swales. These may include polyethylene-lined flumes, rock-armored channels, and flexible “Big-O” pipes. These should be positioned at the inlets of the future lawn basins. Additionally, they should be keyed in at a slope’s inflection point for protection against high-energy flow conditions.
Surface stabilization techniques
Surface stabilization techniques include temporary and permanent seeding, mulching, sodding, and installing riprap. The final phase of construction focuses on securing the slope and managing runoff, including installing pipe slope drains and topsoiling. Maintaining slope drainage systems and monitoring their performance are essential to minimizing sediment transport in the runoff.
The BMPs that may be suitable for a slope drain are outlined in a guide that summarizes industry-standard practices for erosion and sediment control.Â
Vegetation establishment
Vegetation establishment is a key part of erosion and sediment control, and it helps prevent erosion by intercepting rainwater and reducing its energy. Vegetation also slows runoff and reduces splash erosion by entangling the soil with its root system.
Vegetation establishment is the most cost-effective erosion and sediment control practice. Planting trees and shrubs on construction sites will reduce soil loss by 99 percent. Seeding will only work as long as the plants are in the ground and have emerged, so a straw mulch layer must be applied before seeding. These practices are also cheaper and more effective than traditional sediment control techniques.
Inlet inserts
Inlet inserts are effective devices for capturing coarse sediment. They protect streams from runoff by blocking sediment from entering the stream. In addition, they provide erosion and sediment control to a greater extent than standard inlet covers. In addition to filter sock inserts, sediment barrier berms may also be installed on a site. These barriers may be in the form of rock mulch, fiber rolls, or straw wattles. These devices can prevent sediment-laden runoff from bypassing the system if installed properly.
Hydraulic mulches
Hydraulic mulches provide erosion and sediment control benefits when applied to steep slopes. The mulch is applied without surface preparation, although this may be beneficial in some instances, such as when revegetating a slope. Hydraulic mulches are particularly useful in areas where access is limited or steep slopes are present. Also, it is important to choose the proper mulch for the slope’s gradient and length. You may also check erosion and sediment control devices in GLobal Technology to learn more about this.
Hydraulic mulches are usually composed of fibrous materials mixed with water, such as straw or newspaper, and then applied on the soil’s surface. These mulches can be used on inactive slopes or slopes covered with live vegetation or exposed soil. If the slope is modified later, the mulch must be removed.
Ecology- use of erosion control measures
Best Management Practices for erosion and sediment control include measures to prevent soil erosion, water pollution, and the degradation of properties. These methods often work with other techniques to protect exposed soil surfaces and dissipate water flow velocity. Agricultural practices that are not in line with best management practices can harm aquatic life and cause harmful algae blooms. Understanding the ecology of erosion and sediment control can help our nation’s water resources remain cleaner.
Erosion control measures can help preserve soil and infiltration capacity and prevent landslides. These techniques may involve a combination of terracing, geotextiles, and diversion structures. Housekeeping practices can also reduce stormwater impacts. A good soil conservation strategy maintains a consistent vegetation cover on bare land. Silt fences can be installed for moderate slopes or other sediment controls.
Erosion control measures can be implemented around a construction site’s perimeter or soil stockpiles. Sediment control techniques include using soil-stockpile barriers, sediment fences, and mulch berms. Sediment-control practices may also be implemented to direct uncontaminated flow to a designated area, like a sediment trap or basin. Often, these methods require the release of water in controlled quantities to avoid sedimentation.
