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Compatibility of Elements Essential for Success
© 1997, 1998 Streamline Publications
"Believe it or not, there are
certain seeds that have to pass through a bear's digestive tract before they
will germinate. Others need to go through a forest fire," said Paul
Albright. "Those are two seeds nobody should ever use for erosion control,
but some of the selections I've seen are nearly as bad."
The erosion of my topsoil was nothing compared to the erosion of my bank account.
Paul, the owner of Albright Seed
Company, relies on more than thirty years experience in the business when he
consults with his customers. "There are some general rules that
apply to erosion control plantings. The plants should be quick to establish and
right for the soil type. The method used to keep the seeds in place while they
germinate and the plants grow must be right for the slope and expected runoff
volume. "The whole idea is to make all the
elements work together until a healthy stand of grass or other plant materials
can take over and hold the slope. That can be accomplished using a fiber mesh,
such as Poly Burlap or Roll-Lawn, over the seeds. These
products are used for tough-to-control slopes and degrade over time as the
plants become established. "Another method that is excellent
is hydroseeding. Most people don't realize the strength of just plain paper
fiber mulch at 2,000 pounds per acre," Albright said. "The key is to
make sure that the proper application rates are used. In addition to a paper
fiber mulch, such as Agri-Fiber, for hydroseeding on slopes, I normally
recommend a soil binding agent be added to the mulch. Sentinel is an
excellent choice at 90 to 100 pounds per acre with 1,500 to 3,000 gallons of
water. It's like super glue in the way it binds the mulch and seed to the soil.
"Many of the mediums degrade once
they have done their job. For example, Agri-Fiber, which is made totally
from recycled newsprint and cardboard, will decompose and add organic material
to the soil. Poly Burlap is photodegradable, taking as long as three
years to break down in sunlight. "Which is right for your situation
will depend on all the factors that contribute to erosion. Wind, rain, slope and
weather exposure all matter. "In an area of new construction,
the ground may have been scraped clean, all the top soil removed. This land
could go for a long time before any plants become established from seed.
Eventually the soil will support plantlife, but in the meantime erosion
continues to take much of the subsoil. "What is missing is a connection
between the grading contractor and the landscape contractor. It would be helpful
if the bulldozers left something that a seed would grow in." Until that happens, Paul Albright and
the Albright Seed Company
consultants can help you evaluate the erosion control challenge you face and
make the right decisions for your clients. Call Albright today. (805) 684-0436Check our wide range of erosion control
products. There is our exclusive Living Channel Liner, a
pregrown complex of native riparian grasses in a MIRAMAT 100
Erosion Control Mat. Perhaps our Poly Burlap or hydroseeding products
are right for you. You can count on Albright for
the best erosion control products, the right grass seed, and the know-ledge to
put it all together into a solution that works for you, your clients and the
earth.Get more information on Erosion Control Blankets for commercial customers.
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