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Sediment Control
References
Straw
What is This Treatment?
Straw is typically combined with Hydroseeding to protect slopes from erosion. Straw is fastened in place either by punching it into the soil with a sheepsfoot-roller, or by gluing it to the soil surface by covering it with Hydromulch.
When to Use This Treatment:
- Use for excavation (cut) and embankment (fill) slopes and other disturbed soil areas.
- Typically used to treat disturbed areas larger than 0.5 acres. Consider using Dry 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 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:
- 2010 Standard Specifications (See Section 21-1.02I and 21-1.03H Straw)
- 2010 Revised Standard Specifications (RSS)
Plans and Details:
Example of how to specify the use of Straw on the project plans:
Estimate Information:
- Click here to view current awarded bid prices for Straw.
- Use BEES code 210420 Straw.
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
Updated 11-21-2012