Title:
Use of composted waste materials in erosion control
Use of composted waste materials in erosion control
Author(s)
Risse, L. Mark
Faucette, L. B.
Faucette, L. B.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
The objective of this series of studies was
to investigate the use of compost and mulch materials
in erosion control and stabilization projects. The first
phase of the study looked primarily at the impacts of
surface blankets of twelve different compost and mulch
materials on solids loss and water quality and found
that mulch blankets produced runoff with the lowest
solids and nutrient contents. Compost blankets were
significantly less erodible than bare soil, and compost
maturity seemed to be an important factor as respiration
rate was significantly correlated to solids loss. Raw
poultry litter produced more runoff and erosion than
bare soil and three different poultry litter composts.
Effective erosion control strategies must both protect
the soil surface and establish and sustain vegetation.
The second part of this project looked at the impacts of
these same materials on grass establishment and
growth. The findings indicated that the compost
treatments produced more vegetative biomass and
cover than the mulch treatments. The final phase of
this study compared four combinations of compost
blankets and berms to both bare soil and conventional
treatments such as hydroseeding and silt fences.
Preliminary results indicate that the use of compost
blankets and berms offer significant improvements in
water quality through improved erosion control,
reduction in nutrient loads and improved the
establishment of vegetation. Further analysis is ongoing
to document the long term changes in soil quality
and vegetation using these treatments. This paper will
only report on the first phase of the study due to space
limitations.
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Date Issued
2003-04
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings