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Erosion Control (Punched Straw)

EC Type C

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:

  1. A strawblower is used to blow straw on the slope.
  2. A "sheepsfoot-roller" is used to punch straw into the slope.
  3. Seed, fiber, and tackifier are applied to slopes with a hydroseed rig.
  4. Optionally a second application of straw is blown (but not punched) onto the slope.
  5. 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:

Plans and Details:

  • No Standard Plan is required for Erosion Control (Punched Straw).

Estimate Information:

Guidance:

External Links: