What Is Jute Matting For Erosion Control? An Ultimate Guide
Soil erosion is one of the biggest problems for all farmers. But luckily, you have various solutions to handle this problem, and jute matting for erosion control must be your first try.
The mat is easy to install. Moreover, thanks to the natural fabric, it won’t harm the environment while preventing soil erosion effectively.
This article will reveal more beneficial information about jute matting. You can then decide whether to apply it to your farm or not. So let’s dig into the details!
What Is Erosion Control Matting?
Erosion control matting is a material used to prevent soil erosion, as its name implies. We use it for areas that are vulnerable to erosion due to wind and water.
Uses
Gardeners and farmers install the matting over degraded areas. The mat will then work to keep the soil in place and reduce erosion once the vegetation takes root.
The vegetation will grow, and their roots can go deeper. During that time, the matting still helps stabilize the soil.
Matting is also a good strategy to protect the ecosystem and guarantee that vegetation may flourish in places that may otherwise be susceptible to erosion.
Types of erosion control matting
There are two main types of erosion control matting: biodegradable and non-biodegradable.
- Biodegradable matting has natural materials. Hence, it will finally break down and dissolve into the soil.
- Non-biodegradable matting is made from synthetic materials which don’t break down.
As you can guess, biodegradable matting is a better choice for the environment. Hence, when buying the matting, check for the materials carefully.
What Is Jute Matting For Erosion Control?
Jute is an organic fiber from the jute plant. It grows mainly in Bangladesh, India, and some other Asian areas.
So, jute erosion control matting is the mat made of jute. This biodegradable mat will work well for mild and medium slopes with low to medium flow rates.
Aside from erosion control, you can use the jute matting for multiple purposes, such as soil support, sediment restriction, or slope stabilization.
Specifications
Jute mats are eco-friendly and support your vegetation effectively. If you consider installing them in your garden, please check some of their specifications first:
- Size: 4′ x 225′
- Thickness: 0.25 inch
- Weight: 92 pounds
- Water absorption: More than 45% of the fabric weight
- Recommended slope: 3:1
- Recommended flow: 6 feet per second
- Lifespan: 6 to 9 months
Applications
Jute erosion control cloth has a wide range of applications. Here are some cases where you want to apply it.
- Slope stabilization: When installed over the seeded soil, the mat will hold the soil and support the roots to expand.
- Riverbank stabilization: You can use the matting to protect the riverbanks and streams from erosion. It can keep the soil from washing away and provide a stable surface.
- Landscaping: Installing the matting over the soil will help stabilize it. When your plants grow, the jute fabric will biodegrade and become a part of the soil.
- Construction sites: Matting can also work for graded soils by protecting them during the rain. Applying it to newly seeded soil near the foot traffic areas is a good idea, too.
How To Use Jute Erosion Control Cloth?
The ease of installation is another benefit to use the jute mat to control soil erosion. Please follow these steps to pull it off:
Step 1: Prepare the area
You need to remove dirt, pebbles, or other anything that might harm the jute matting from the area where you want to install it. This step is to allow for proper drainage.
So, till or loosen the area’s top two to three inches of soil. If necessary, amend the topsoil so it can support the plants you intend to grow.
Step 2: Set up the mat
Unroll the mat over the treated area. It should stay smooth and flat on the ground. Also, do not let it overlap by a few inches to avoid gaps. If needed, cut the mat with scissors or a knife so it can fit into the area.
Step 3: Secure the mat
After setting the mat in place, it’s time to secure it with pins, skates, or similar tools to anchor it. Then, drive the stakes into the mat and the soil.
You must be careful at this step. If you don’t securely anchor your mat, the wind will blow it away. Then, soil erosion may occur.
Grow plants through the cloth after securing the mat. The roots of your plants will then anchor the mat and control soil erosion.
In this case, the roots will act as stakes. Hence, remember to water your plants regularly so they can thrive, contributing to erosion control.
Now you have successfully installed the jute matting. Always keep an eye on it so it can remain secure and your vegetation can grow properly.
The whole installation process is quite simple. You can handle it with basic gardening and landscaping skills.
However, if you are not confident with your skills, ask for professional help. Erosion control specialists can also do it for you.
Conclusion
Jute erosion control fabric is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. You can, therefore, use it to reduce soil erosion for various purposes.
Installing the mat over the soil is a breeze. Follow the steps we have described, and you are ready to go. Remember to check the mat regularly to ensure it is always in good condition.
Hopefully, this article will help you learn more tips to protect the soil and control erosion. For any further information, please feel free to ask. We will get back to you soon.
Thank you for reading!