Figure 2: Within four months of application, vegetation was well established. |
After careful review of the site, including environmental, climate and terrain considerations, COMB selected a custom native seed mix. The seed combination was mixed directly with the product in the tanks, and the mixture was applied at a rate of 4,000 lbs/acre.
How It Works
Developed by Mulch and Seed Innovations, LLC (Centre, AL), along with Cotton Incorporated, HydraCX2 is a hydraulic erosion control product (HECP) made with mechanically processed straw fibers and reclaimed cotton plant material. It is a high-performance product containing proprietary performance-enhancing tackifiers that form a protective layer to hold soils in place and increase vegetation establishment.
The fiber matrix contains beneficial nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrients that, when made available to the soil, are important for plant growth. The product has been designed for water retention in the seedbed and to allow rainfall to trickle down into the soil through the porous interlocking matrix so that water and nutrients can be taken up by the roots of emerging vegetation.
Featuring post-industrial waste from the cotton ginning process, the cotton plant material is a new reclaimed option that has proven to be an effective and sustainable alternative to virgin wood and recycled paper, which have previously dominated the erosion control industry.
Results
With the high amount of rainfall that occurred in Southern California in 2009, those who worked on the erosion control and vegetation establishment efforts at Lauro Reservoir grew concerned about the potential for a significant rain event at any moment. With typical annual rainfall in that area being 10-15 inches, Santa Barbara saw more than 20 inches in 2009, raising the sense of urgency among engineers.
In fact, a rain event occurred within just a few days of the application, soaking the dusty ground that was protected only by a cover of the fiber matrix. Despite the heavy precipitation, project engineers saw no sediment movement following the initial rain event.
Within two weeks of the application, vegetation began to grow, and within four months it was established.
"We went back to the site in mid-April to find the native plants and wildflowers in a lush cover on the reservoir slopes," said Vermeesch. "It was a far cry from four months earlier when the site was so desolate and dark."
Since the application of the erosion control product in December 2009, the site experienced several more large rain events with no soil loss or compromise to the vegetation. Today, after one full year of maturation and growth, the Lauro Reservoir watershed has been redeemed not only in appearance, but also in functionality to protect the drinking water quality for the residents of Santa Barbara and the south coast communities.
About the Author:
Tom Wedegaertner is director of cottonseed research and marketing for Cotton Incorporated. He can be reached at 919-678-2369 or by e-mail at [email protected]..
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