Where erosion control, long-term dust suppression, soil stabilisation and comprehensive revegetation of large areas of hard-to-access depleted and damaged land is the goal, we look to Hydromulching BFM.

With its lasting performance, higher water retention and ability to enhance germination for faster vegetation growth, hydromulching is a sustainable and cost-effective solution for revegetation. This is what you need to know about Hydromulching BFM in Australia and how it can impact your projects.

Hydromulching BFM: A large-scale erosion solution

Hydromulching with bonded fibre matrix (BFM) – an advanced hydromulch solution with engineered fibre matrix technology – creates a high-performing growth medium matrix. The process is designed to provide increased performance in areas with high slopes, steep batters, and verges when compared to standard hydromulching solutions. This includes longer protection against erosion, faster and improved seed germination and dust suppression.

You may see the term hydromulching used interchangeably with hydroseeding. While both are efficient and effective means of supporting revegetation, hydroseeding is ideal for areas with healthy topsoil and a good irrigation system, without need for erosion control. Hydromulching, on the other hand, is exemplary in its ability to rehabilitate commercial, mining and construction sites, hillsides, and high-grade slopes, with immediate effect.

The science behind Hydromulching

In hydromulching, the mulch acts as a hydraulic growth medium, serving as a moisture reservoir that retains water and regulates soil temperature. This allows seeds to germinate faster, resulting in quicker revegetation. When the mulch is applied to the surface of the land, binders enable the fibres to stick to the ground.

A two-step application process, Hydromulching BFM begins with hydraulically applying a slurry of seed, water, fertiliser, and mulch to land.

The second step involves spraying cellulosic mulch fibres, a proprietary binder and a tackifier over the initial seed and water mixture. The BFM is a continuous layer of elongated fibre strands, held together with a water-resistant bonding agent. Once this layer dries over the first, it forms a skin over the seeds and soil. This skin is much like an erosion control blanket, lasting for six to twelve months.

By the end of this period, the vegetation will have grown enough to provide the required erosion control for the project. The BFM will ultimately biodegrade completely into materials beneficial to plant growth.

Common uses for Bonded Fibre Matrix in industrial settings

With its ability to revegetate large expanses of land quickly, safely, and sustainably, Hydromulching BFM is a reliable and versatile rehabilitation solution in industrial settings.

Commonly used for stabilisation of roadside batters, soil stockpiles, mine site rehabilitation and remediation of large industrial areas, Hydromulching BFM’s many benefits are utilised across a variety of industries, including civil and infrastructure, to government, rail and resources. These benefits include:

Erosion control

Once applied, Hydromulching BFM’s unique secondary layer provides immediate erosion control results. Effective erosion control is maintained for six to 12 months, at which point vegetation will have been established, providing continued control into the future.

Slope stabilisation

A heavier-duty option, Hydromulching BFM can be used on slopes with gradients up to 6 times higher than Hydromulch HGM – a standard hydromulching option. The bonded fibre matrix will help lock soil in place, sticking on contact to all parts of a slope.

Dust control

The surface cover provided by the fibres in the bonded fibre matrix means it is suitable for short-term dust control, even before vegetation has established itself, but also long-term dust suppression.

How Erizon’s Hydromulching works

Not all project’s goals are the same, and sites across Australia are all unique. At Erizon, our Hydromulching BFM solutions guarantee results with plans tailored to your site.

Beginning with thorough soil analysis and site preparation, we can ensure the sustainability and ongoing success of rehabilitation with Hydromulching BFM. Our expert team will find the perfect solution mix and application method, while also establishing the most suitable time to commence the hydromulching project.

In application, the mixture is continuously agitated in world-class, specially designed HydroRigs with mounted hydraulic cannons (or ‘booms’) and hoses. This ensures even application and coverage of difficult-to-reach areas, of up to 100 metres.

With this careful pre-planning and comprehensive application, very little after-care maintenance is required, so you can rest assured that your site is in safe hands.

All of this is made possible with Erizon’s EnviroLoc Hydromulching BFM.

EnviroLoc BFM

An advanced and environmentally-friendly hydromulch solution, EnviroLoc BFM is engineered with state-of-the-art fibre matrix technology. It provides greater erosion protection, and is an optimal medium for seed germination, with high water retention – up to 20 times its own weight – and improved airflow exchange.

Our successful implementation of BFM technology

As an example of EnviroLoc Hydromulching BFM’s abilities and Erizon’s project success guarantee, we look to the Sunshine Energy Park Revegetation project.

Sunshine Energy Park Revegetation

A former basalt quarry, previously used for landfill activities and capped after closure, the Sunshine Energy Park Revegetation project aimed for long-term stabilisation of the landfill cap against erosion and dust generation.

With thorough soil testing and preparation, Erizon was able to identify differing soil amelioration requirements. EnviroLoc Hydromulch BFM was the recommended solution, incorporated with a customised amelioration plan.

With EnviroLoc successfully applied and a 12-month maintenance plan in place, not only were revegetation goals met, but we can ensure a sustainable solution. 

For more details, explore our Sunshine Energy Park Revegetation case study.

Get started with Hydromulching BFM

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