What is it?

Mulching and erosion control blankets are ground cover techniques used primarily to prevent surface soil erosion. These techniques are also implemented for

• disipating sheet flow velocities
• increasing soil moisture and reducing evaporation
• increasing stormwater infiltration
• promoting plant germination and growth

Mulch is commonly used on low gradient slopes and can be used in cunjuction with netting to hold the mulch in place. Erosion control blankets (mats) can be used on steeper slopes and in ditches to minimize erosion. Mulch and blankets are temporary soil stabilization measures used until vegetation can become established.

Conservation Benefits

• helps to stabilize surface soils and reduces erosion
• promotes revegetation through germination and growth

What does it include?

Mulch is commonly composed of organic material like straw, wood chips, and other plant materials. The amount and depth of mulch will depend on the site and objectives for erosion and revegetation. Netting may be required to hold mulch in place on some slopes. Erosion contol blankets (mats) can be made of organic or synthetic materials and are used on steeper slopes and areas with higher runoff velocities. Blankets can come preseeded from the manufacturer to facilitate revegetation. Blankets are constructed to have fine enough mesh to disipate rainwater energy, but large enough to promote light penetration for plant germination and growth. Erosion control blankets can also be used to line ditches to prevent erosion and gully formation and in conjuction with other erosion prevention BMPs (like fascines , native species revegetation , and plant cuttings or transplants ). Blankets for any application will need to be secured to the bank. Mulch and blankets are meant to be temporary soil stabilization techniques until bank vegetation can become reestablished. Both techniques will need to be monitored for maintenance especially after heavy rain events.

Considerations when choosing between mulch or blankets should include

• time of implementation (growing vs. dormant season for vegetation)
• amount and velocity of rainwater runoff
• soil type and permeability
• steepness of the slope
• local hydrology (like flood frequency)
• types of vegetation needing to be established