Field Performance of Long-Strand Wood Erosion Control Mulch and Agricultural Straw under Natural Rainfall Events

Abstract 

Field plots were used to compare the performance of agricultural straw mulch with a new wood-based long strand erosion control material. Three studies were installed at two locations in western Washington and central California. Slopes ranged from 15% to over  50%. Soil types included gravelly sand and fine sandy loam. Each plot was approximately 5m wide by 30m long. The study ran continuously during the winter of 2004-2005. After three months, the long-strand wood erosion control mulch performed equal to agricultural straw mulch. Both materials reduced sediment delivery off the plot by more than 99 percent when compared to a bare soil plot at the California location. The relative performance of the mulches was also equal in the two studies in western Washington.

About the Publication 

Dooley, J.H., Lanning, D.N., and John E. Burks. 2005. Field Performance of Long-Strand Wood Erosion Control Mulch and Agricultural Straw Under Natural Rainfall Events. Technical Report. Forest Concepts, Federal Way, WA.