Erosion Control Through Hydro Seeding

Effective erosion control is an important technique in preventing water pollution and soil loss. Erosion of the soil usually occurs commonly on the hill sides and other sloping sections of land, as gravity naturally wants to pull the soil particles at the surfaces of these areas downward.

To help agriculturists be more enlightened in the matter, this article will specifically present effective strategies and techniques on how to ensure effective erosion control which includes the method of seeding sloping areas of land with vegetation.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to accomplish this method of seeding in sloping areas of land with non-modern seeding equipment. The solution, which many agriculturists have turned to, is hydro seeding.  

What is Hydro Seeding?

Hydro seeding is a process that agriculturalists primarily use to spread and plant turf grass seed and other vegetations. The process involves mixing together water, seed, wood or paper mulch and, in some instances, a fertilizer. Using specialized sprayers, agriculturists can then spray the mixture on the desired areas for planting. This technique also allows farmers to choose a position wherein they can conveniently seed vegetation on specific areas of land.

However, although the process of hydro seeding is a convenient method for seeding slopes, it can also, at least initially, contribute to erosion. It should be highlighted that the liquid components of the mixture can carry away soil particles at the slope's surface, just like rainwater can when agriculturists spray slopes with hydro seed solutions. Thus, more effective methods and techniques for erosion control should be implemented.

This is where the more advanced methods on erosion control come in. The methods assure preventing or controlling wind or water erosion in agriculture, land development and construction.

Effective examples of erosion control methods include the following techniques:

·         Buffer Stripping

o  One effective way of erosion control is the buffer stripping, maintaining permanent vegetation that helps to control air, soil, and water quality, along with other environmental problems.

·         Cellular Confinement System

o   Cellular Confinement Systems are widely used in construction for erosion control, stabilization of the soil on flat ground and steep slopes and structural reinforcement for load support and earth retention.

·         Mulching

Mulching is providing a protective cover placed over the soil to retain moisture, erosion control, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth.

·         Conservation Tillage

o  Conservation tillage is a farming process which helps erosion control, water pollution and enhances carbon sequestration.

·         Reforestation

o     Reforestation or replanting of trees is the best way of erosion control.

·         Contour Plowing

o   Contour plowing or contour farming is the practice of plowing across a slope and allows the water time to settle into the soil, therefore assuring erosion control.

In hydro seeding, the erosion control specification includes the following steps:

1. Seed are applied to slopes with a hydro seed rig.
2. Optionally, straw is applied with a straw blower.
3. Fiber and tack are applied with a hydro seed rig.

Benefits of this specific erosion control technique:

• It provides immediate protection from surface erosion due to raindrop impact.
• It helps conserve soil moisture.
• It has low initial cost compared to other treatments.
• It matches closely to the soil surface which may result in less erosion due to surface rilling.
• Vegetation provided by seed provides long-term control of erosion.

What is the goal of erosion control?

When identifying the most effective techniques in various erosion control, it is important, foremost, to clearly identify that the techniques are effective and efficient.  Choosing the specific methods for erosion control will vary depending upon specific site conditions in general. A successful erosion control treatment will address three specific areas - soils, water, and vegetation.

The goal of effective erosion control is twofold:

1. Maintain water quality - keep soils in place.
2. Increase Infiltration - reduce runoff.

Effective erosion control techniques, like the ones discussed above, are achievable if farmers are very keen to study how to implements these methods.  However, it is also advisable that agriculturists would also research more on other techniques in erosion control so as to be very knowledgeable on the topic as it is a well-known fact that any erosion control technique is implementable in specific areas and conditions.

Ann Cervales, Philippines