Environmental issues related to mine land reclamation have always been a challenge. Hydraulically applied mulches, or “hydroseeding,” is presenting great opportunity to mine sites.
Over the past couple of decades, erosion, sediment control and revegetation practices have come a long way in advancing project success and positive results. But one thing has not changed, the most effective erosion control is the establishment of vegetation.
Hydroseeding is a process where seed and any combination of fertilizer, lime, biostimulants, moisture retention polymers, tackifiers and other additives are mixed with water and dry, compressed hydroseeding mulch. When completely mixed, they form a slurry that is sprayed onto the ground to stabilize soil, establish vegetation and control erosion.
Major factors contributing to mine site project successes include enhanced project evaluation, improved erosion control applications and a more technical approach using actual soil analysis data.
Planning is the key to site performance. The world’s largest producer of hydraulic erosion control materials, Profile Products LLC, has developed a “5-Fundamentals” approach to establishing vegetation:
- Create Optimal Soil Conditions
- Choose the Right Seed Species
- Select the Correct Erosion Contral Materials
- Ensure Proper Installation
- Follow-up Inspection and Maintenance Practices
In an effort to create optimal soil conditions, one needs to understand the characteristics of the soil over the entire project footprint. Soil tests including representative samples over various project sectors is required. Critical soil characteristics are pH, Organic Matter, Cation Exchange Capacity, Salts and Soil Structure. The results of these site-specific soil tests allow for proper selection of soil modification additives and they determine whether major soil amendments are required to produce the desired sustainable vegetation.
Caption: Hydraulic erosion control materials can be applied via tower or hose
Even poor soils can be adjusted using key additives along with a relatively new technology of applying biotic soil media technologies that provide key missing elements that allow for vegetation establishment in areas where basically no stable vegetation could be established before. Biotic soil technologies are an alternative to importing topsoil that introduces soil-building essentials, while offering temporary erosion control protection.
Profile’s ProGanics® hydraulic biotic soil media includes a blend of thermally refined wood fiber, biochar, crosslinked biopolymers and bio-stimulants. At the correct application rates, this material combination allows for quick vegetation establishment while building a topsoil er time.
Caption: ProGanics® (Biotic Soil Media) being hydraulically applied
Hydraulic applications have come a long way over the years. The development of higher performance hydraulicly applied materials has made it possible to take on even the most challenging projects. When considering specific hydraulic mulch product selection, slope conditions, soil type and expected rainfall are key factors.
A key benefit to the practice of hydraulically applied erosion control is that the slurry can carry soil amendments, seed and other beneficial nutrients. This allows for easy application to disturbed soil, rock soils and challenging slopes with limited personnel.
Mining disturbs soils and creates soil conditions that make it difficult to establish vegetation. Hydroseeding provides an opportunity to reverse the challenges faced by today’s mines. Following the 5 Fundamentals of Vegetation Establishment using hydroseeding practices can provide erosion control, rebuild soils, and ensure the success of your mine site.
Walter Butman is the Vice President of Sales at Profile Products
Profile Products is the world’s leading manufacturer of hydraulic erosion control and vegetation establishment materials. For more information, see www.profileevs.com
