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References
Erosion Control (Punched Straw)

What is This Treatment?
Punched straw is straw that is incorporated in the top six inches of the soil surface.
The Erosion Control (Punched Straw) specification includes the following steps:
- A strawblower is used to blow straw on the slope.
- A "sheepsfoot-roller" is used to punch straw into the slope.
- Seed, fiber, and tackifier are applied to slopes with a hydroseed rig.
- Optionally a second application of straw is blown (but not punched) onto the slope.
- Optionally a second application of fiber and tackifier is performed to glue the second straw application in place.
Erosion Control (Punched Straw) was formerly called Erosion Control (Type C).
When to Use This Treatment:
- Use for fill slopes and other disturbed soil areas.
- Typically not applied to cut or rocky slopes as these slopes cannot be "punched" to receive straw.
- Typically used to treat disturbed areas larger than 0.5 acres. Consider using Erosion Control (Seeding) to hand-seed areas less than 0.5 acres.
Benefits:
-
Immediate protection from surface erosion due to raindrop impact.
- Helps conserve soil moisture.
- Conforms closely to the soil surface which may result in less erosion due to surface rilling.
-
Vegetation provided by seed provides long-term control of erosion.
Limitations:
-
If local air quality constraints due to straw blowing may be an issue, consider specifying Erosion Control (Bonded Fiber Matrix).
- Applied straw may contain up to 15 pounds of weed seed per ton.
Consider Using With:
To effectively treat sites with poor soils (compacted, nutrient depleted, or poorly draining), consider combining this treatment with:
Specifications:
- SSP 20-030 Erosion Control (Punched Straw)
- Caltrans Standard Specifications - Erosion Control and Highway Planting
Plans and Details:
- No Standard Plan is required for Erosion Control (Punched Straw).
Estimate Information:
- Click here to view current awarded bid prices for Erosion Control (Punched Straw).
- Use BEES code 203008 Erosion Control (Punched Straw) for payment by sq. ft.
- Use BEES code 203009 Erosion Control (Punched Straw) for payment by acre.
Guidance:
- H. Dana Bowers, et al. 1947. Erosion Control on California State Highways
- California Department of Transportation, "TransPlant Seed and Plant Selection Tool", August 2009.
- California Department of Transportation, "Roadside Erosion Control Management Study (RECM)", May 2008.
- California Department of Transportation, "Effective Planting Techniques to Minimize Erosion", January 2004.
External Links:
- David Steinfield, Scott Riley, Kim Wilkinson, Thomas D. Landis, Lee Riley, et al. 2007. "Roadside Revegetation, An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants" Accessed 2009-07-16
- Michael Hogan, 2009. "Sediment Source Control Handbook, An Adaptive Approach to Restoration of Disturbed Areas" Accessed 2009-07-16.
- Dirt Time "Straw Types" Video from watchyourdirt.com


