The Fundamentals of Using Erosion Control Fabric to Protect Bare Ground
Without a doubt, erosion is a big limiting factor when it comes to gardening and agricultural. It impairs the growth of healthy plants and lowers the yield that you would have otherwise realised. Over the years, however, agriculturists have been working round the clock to come up with ways and means that can be used to curb soil erosion. One of these techniques involves the use of erosion control fabrics. They are large, blankets made from biodegradable materials such as coir, jute and coconut fibre. If you are dealing with erosion problems in your farm, here are the fundamentals of using erosion fabrics to counter soil erosion on bare ground:
Prepare the Area Affected by Erosion
Begin by assessing the area affected or likely to be affected by erosion. Remove any large stones, or roots from the areas, as they are bound to affect the efficiency of the fabric. After getting rid of the unwanted barriers, level the area thoroughly according to the desired gradient that you would like the farm to take. You can do this using harrowing equipment, which also helps to break the soil into finer particles before you can lay the fabric. Levelling the farm should be followed by adding manure, fertiliser and mulch for the sake of the seeds.
Plant the Seeds
Bare ground requires appropriate plant cover to prevent the effects of erosion agents. You must select a good cover for the bare ground if you are to realise positive, long-term effects. Ideally, the best ground cover includes grasses and wildflowers that can stand up to a lack of rain for a long time. Make sure that the plant cover seeds are distributed evenly throughout the field so that the agents of erosion do not find lines of weakness after you have worked in the area.
Set the Fabric in Place
After planting the seeds, your field should be ready for the erosion fabric cover. Dig a trench on the upper side of the slope to help stabilise the fabric as you set it over the area. The trench should be at least six inches deep across the upper side of the field. Pull the spool of the fabric into the trench before extending it out over the whole field. Use anchoring pins made from galvanised steel to hold the fabric in place within the trench. After that, spread the fabric over the field and make sure that it overlaps the edges of the field by at least three inches.
Contact an erosion and sediment control company for more information and assistance.
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