United States Department of Transportation
i
Compost Blankets for Erosion Control and Vegetation Establishment
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2020-04-01
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[PDF-12.74 MB]
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Edition:Final Report- April 2020 [February 2019 – April 2020]
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Abstract:This research examined how and whether blanket applications of 1–3 inches of compost over bare soil can improve slope stabilization and whether such applications can aid in the establishment of native grasses and forbs, particularly for sloping roadside conditions on Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation (MassDOT) jurisdictional roadways. The research included a literature review, interviews with transportation engineers and other professionals with compost blanket and seeding expertise, and the evaluation of five MassDOT construction projects where compost blankets had been applied. Overall, the research found compost blankets to be highly effective at reducing erosion on slopes. The site evaluations, conducted two to three years after the application of compost and seed, found that erosion was limited to locations where concentrated flow occurred. Establishment of the native grasses and forbs seeded as part of the compost application was determined to be generally successful. This report includes recommendations for site preparation, particle size distribution of compost material, depth of compost with regard to slope steepness, specific cover crops to be included in the seed mix, recommended seeding dates, monitoring during seeding establishment, and mowing guidelines to improve establishment after seeding.
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