Effect of Hydromulch Binders on Reduction of Embankment- Induced Soil Erosion and Sediment Concentration

Aims Hydromulching treatments are increasingly being used as a feasible alternative of landscape management for runoff and soil erosion control after road construction. Towards this, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of hydromulch binders on reduction of embankment-induced soil erosion and sediment concentration. Materials & Methods This experimental study was conducted in Golestan Province, Iran in March 2017. Two types of soil stabilizers were used. Hydromulch A included water absorbent, Festuca arundinacea L. seed, tackifier, fertilizer, and bio humus. Hydromulch B was combined from hydromulch A, cellulose fiber, and natural yarn. Then, the hydromulches as well as the non-hydromulch traditional mix (seed and animal fertilizer) were separately sprayed on artificial bare slopes. Treated soil were translocated and established in the specific boxes for measuring grass biomass, sediment concentration, runoff, and soil erosion under the rainfall simulation. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan multiple comparison tests. Findings Hydromulch A and traditional mix produced lower value of the total biomass of grass compared with hydromulch B. Hydromulch B yielded significantly less runoff volumes than the other treatments. Only the hydromulch B significantly reduced soil erosion compared with that of the hydromulch A and traditional mix (p<0.05). Conclusion Hydromulch B is clearly much more efficient than hydromulch A and traditional seeding in terms of minimizing soil erosion. Traditional mix seeding is not able to promote an effective grass cover to reduce soil erosion from artificial slopes. Hydromulch B provide favorable moisture and soil temperatures for grass seeds and this accelerates plant establishment.