When looking at options for erosion control, erosion control blankets are a common choice. They have been around a long time and are an effective solution for many reasons. As technology continues to advance, some recent developments have increased their effectiveness.

What is Erosion

Wind erosion on dry regions in Australia

Wind erosion

Erosion is most commonly caused by weather elements such as wind and rain. Wind erosion is a risk where the topsoil is uncovered and dry– a common problem in many parts of Australia. Strong winds can remove the topsoil that contains essential elements and nutrients required for plant growth.

When the topsoil carried by the wind accumulates in different locations, it can potentially cause environmental or logistical issues. Additionally, there can also be a health risk associated with smaller dust particles that the wind carries around. Breathing in these dust particles from contaminated soils in mining or construction sites is a health hazard that must be prevented through effective erosion control.

Canals due to water erosion
Canals in paddy soil by water erosion is an abstract shape.

Water erosion

Water erosion is caused by water flowing across a surface and carrying the topsoil with it. Terrain with little or no vegetative cover is most at risk for water erosion.

As water moves across a surface and isn’t absorbed, it carries topsoil with it. As with wind erosion, the topsoil lost through water erosion results in the loss of nutrients and other organic compounds required for healthy vegetative growth.

Water erosion also has a significant impact on the local environment. Soil and other debris carried away by the water can wash onto roads or work areas or create blockages in the local waterways. Blockages can divert streams or creaks, severely impacting the existing ecosystem. Water erosion also often creates channels, even across access roads or work areas, creating hazards for those working or travelling through the locations.

Erosion control blanket application

What is an erosion control blanket and how do they work?

Erosion control blankets are biodegradable mats that provide a protective layer for the topsoil while assisting in establishing vegetation. Erosion control blankets are traditionally open weave mats made from wood fibre, jute, straw, mulch, or synthetic netting, which are then laid across the exposed soil onsite. The protective layer shields the topsoil from wind erosion by preventing it from being picked up and carried away. The open mesh design of erosion control blankets slows the flow of water across, resulting in much less soil being displaced and ensuring more water gets absorbed by the soil.

Erosion control blanks are often used to help with the revegetation of target locations. Seed and mulch are usually applied before the mesh blanket is laid across the top. The mulch can also be used in the blanket rather than applied with the seed. As the erosion control blanket degrades, the nutrients are absorbed by the soil to encourage healthy growth.

EcoArmour erosion control blanket sprayed on slopes

Erizon’s Sprayable Erosion Control Blanket: EcoArmour

EcoArmour is Erizon’s scientifically developed sprayable erosion control blanket. Using advanced technology, it eliminates many challenges in the installation of traditional alternatives. Through the use of Erizon’s specialised equipment, EcoArmour can be hydraulically applied, eliminating the need for installers to physically enter the installation area. Consequently, this eliminates the hazards and risks involved in the installation on slopes, uneven surfaces, or dangerous and inaccessible terrains.

EcoArmour’s efficient installation process also saves a significant amount of time and costs. It can be applied up to ten times faster than traditional erosion control blankets. Furthermore, EcoArmour dries within hours, resulting in rapid, long-term erosion control that can last more than twenty years.