Biotic Earth
A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding Biotic Earth
A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding
THE BIOTIC FAMILY
www.bioticearth.com Intro Comments for Biotic Book
The Erosion and Sediment Control Industry is full of innovative and Biotic Earth was developed so that project owners and engineers new products that help protect our environment. Over the years, could use an erosion control product that not only prevents erosion the industry has responded very well to develop products that but first amends the soil with the right combination of organic control erosion and prevent sediment from leaving construction material, micro nutrients and growth stimulants. Fix the soil you sites, but unfortunately, that is where this innovation has stopped… have both efficiently and effectively with science, common sense until now. and good old agronomic know-how and you will achieve your desired results in less time. The desired erosion control solution is to have established vegetation but many construction sites have very poor soil in which This book shows the Biotic Earth product in action on very poor to grow strong vegetation. The industry response has been to soils in Canada and the United States. We feel that if it makes create longer lasting and more expensive erosion control material sense to add organics to our gardens it makes sense to add it to or to haul expensive topsoil to the site. Is this the only way? our constructions sites as well.
If your soil in your garden was poor, would you put wood or cut up your Sunday newspaper and add it to the soil to make it better? Enjoy, The greenhouse or farming industry would laugh at this suggestion, yet the construction industry is relying on salespeople who only sell erosion control solutions such as this, and are not yet Mark Myrowich aware of the importance of improving soil quality first. Owner Verdyol Plant Research Ltd. Mark Myrowich, CPESC #2418
Mark Myrowich, owner of ErosionControlBlanket.com has been a Directing Member and on the Board of Directors of the ECTC since 2002. He has been In the erosion and sediment control industry since 1995, starting off as an erosion control contractor owning Mid Canada Hydroseeding, then creating ErosionControlBlanket.com in 2000, to manufacture erosion and sediment control products. In 2004, Mark bought Verdyol Plant Research.
Mark received his Certified Professional Designation in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) in 2002. In 1999, MCH received the Environmental Leader Award from the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. In 1998, he co-founded the Northern Plains Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association and is currently its Treasurer.
Currently ErosionControlBlanket.com is a Cornerstone member of the IECA, Mark has been a member since 1996.
www.bioticearth.com Table of contents
Case Studies
Milner Ridge ...... 7 Hydro Quebec ...... 13 Parachute, CO ...... 19 Manitoba Floodway ...... 27 Barrie Ontario Box Store ...... 33 Terra Nova, Ontario ...... 37 Bismark Road ...... 43 Commomwealth Stadium ...... 47 Pebble Beach Road, Manitoba ...... 51 White Rock, British Columbia ...... 55
Articles
The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control ...... 61 Combat Erosion Prone Conditions with Biotic Growth Mediums ...... 69
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 3
Case Studies
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 5 6 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com MILNER RIDGE Manitoba, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 7 Milner Ridge, Manitoba
Project: Waste water treatment ponds for the Provincial medium JR Cousins Engineering firm chose option #2 with the condition that security jail. 70,000 m2 of slopes and channels to protect. the Contractor, Mid Canada Hydroseeding, guarantee success.
Challenge: Milner Ridge is the remnant of a sand deposit from Guaranteed Success was defined as growth to 70% expression or Lake Agassiz which was created by the last ice age. coverage of the site and any erosion that occurred before that growth so that the rills were greater than 2 inches deep were the Very little topsoil to salvage and place back on the slope creating responsibility of the contractor unless there was a rain event a very erodible condition. greater than 3 inches in a 24 hour period as determined by the Options: closest Environment Canada rain monitoring station.
1. The engineering firm received quotes of $6.00 per square meter to haul and place 4 inches of topsoil.
2. Use Verdyol Biotic Earth Black along with S31 erosion control blankets to kick start the growth of vegetation while controlling the erosion for $3.25 per square meter.
8 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Milner Ridge, Manitoba
Mid Canada Hydroseeding applied seed and fertilizer along with S31 – Single sided straw blanket was placed on the slopes and 3900kg/ha (3500 lbs/acre) of Verdyol Biotic Earth™ Black which S32 – Double sided straw blanket was placed in the channels. is a blend of 60% Canadian sphagnum peat moss, 40% Blanket was used to prevent erosion on the project. Biotic Earth mechanically and thermally processed wheat straw fiber with Black works best when combined with a erosion control product flexible flax fiber along with added mycrozea inoculant, tricontonal such as a blanket. The blanket will last one year giving the growth stimulant and micronutrients. vegetation time to mature.
Project completed May 15, 2009 www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 9 Milner Ridge, Manitoba
June 4, 2009
10 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Milner Ridge, Manitoba
June 29, 2009
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HYDRO QUEBEC Quebec, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 13 Hydro Quebec: Quebec, Canada
In 2004, Hydro Quebec worked with Verdyol to combine peat moss topsoil was impossible, and there was no topsoil to import. To further with their wheat based straw mulch to help reclaim road sides that were complicate matters, the subsoil was highly erodible sand and their being built on their northern construction sites near James Bay. growing season short. The goal was to establish vegetation within one season and make it sustainable without the use of topsoil. This project was located in the Northern Boreal forest where salvaging
14 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Hydro Quebec: Quebec, Canada
To accommodate this requirement, Verdyol Biotic Earth HGM at a rate of 2000 kg/ha was used. The seed mix was seeded at a rate of 175 kg/ha and consisted of:
• 34% Creeping Red Fescue • 8% Timothy • 5% Bent Grass • 20% Birdsfoot Trefoil • 15% White Clover • 15% Barley • 3% Reed Canary Grass A 12-18-12 fertilizer was used; 25% of this fertilizer was slow release. Ver Tack was used as the tackifier at a rate of 80 L/ha on the steeper slopes.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 15 Hydro Quebec: Quebec, Canada
The goals were reached! "Renaturalization is a key aspect of all the of our projects by contributing to the harmonization of our facilities with rehabilitation efforts at our installations and development projects. At the environment, protecting aquatic ecosystems and improving our northern facilities, replanting and reforestation efforts are terrestrial fauna habitat," says Réjean Gagnon, Senior Adviser of particularly challenging because the annual growth season is very short Environmental Projects. "The straw- and peat-based hydro mulch has and the topsoil is very thin and fragile. Preventing erosion helps us to worked very well for us in this respect. Grass was growing within the preserve the road network essential to the operation of these very first season of its use, and within the second season birdsfoot trefoil was distant sites. It also translates our commitment to minimizing the imprint blooming."
16 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Hydro Quebec: Quebec, Canada
Hydro Quebec continues today to specify Biotic Earth HGM.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 17 18 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com PARACHUTE CO Taking On The Semi-Arid Environment Of Western Colorado
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 19 Parachute, Colorado
Parachute, Colorado is located at 5000 ft. elevation and receives Area Around Parachute, Colorado – note very minimal vegetation about 13 inches of precipitation a year, about half what the density. average is for the entire United States. Being at this elevation with limited humidity and high UV intensity creates an excellent proving ground for any product’s ability to establish vegetation and the overall ruggedness of the product.
20 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Parachute, Colorado
While this area may seem fairly rugged, it does offer one A 100% biodegradable straw/coconut erosion control blanket two advantage to the U.S. economy, it is an area of large oil and years after installation on a nearby embankment. While the blanket natural gas reserves. While searching for and mining these has provided effective erosion control it does nothing to improve reserves does create some conflict with the natural beauty of the the vegetation establishment capability of the poor soils and harsh area, the mining and oil companies are striving to remediate and environment. The perfect combination would have been the Biotic revegetate the areas they do need to disturb to obtain these Earth HGM with 532BD blanket installed over it. precious natural reserves. However, they often find that other Because of these issues one company approached Verdyol Plant materials used in the revegetation processes may provide effective Research to find a material that would be up to the task and erosion control they often do not meet the needs – good soil provide for more effective vegetation establishment and soil characteristics – to establish good vegetation in this environment. building.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 21 Parachute, Colorado
The Verdyol Plant Research Biotic Earth Hydraulic Growth Medium fibers and peat moss along with the companies EarthBound 2000 (HGM) was selected for use on a small test plot near a wellhead to Soil Stabilizer compared to other hydraulically applied erosion determine its overall ability to assist in the revegetation efforts of control products would provide the needed improvement in the soil the company in this demanding environment. It was felt that the building to assist vegetation establishment and long-term unique qualities like, the HGMs combination of straw, flexible flax maintenance.
Material Benefit
Straw • Mulching material to retain moisture and regulate temperature at the soil surface • A source of important organic matter for addition to the soil • Immediate erosion control by providing cover to the soil surface
Flexible Flax Fibers • Mechanical stabilization of straw fibers • Additional source of organic matter for soil Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss • Growth medium • Soil building material EarthBound 2000 Soil Stabilizer • Soil flocculation for pore space development and to reduce soil erosion • Soil aggregate/structure formation to allow movement of organics and water into soil • Cross-linked hydro colloidal tackifier to effectively adhere HGM to the soil • Minor nitrogen source for microbial energy
The HGM was applied at a rate of 2500 lbs/acre along with 0.5 The material was left in place throughout the Fall, Winter and lbs of EarthBound 2000 soil stabilizer per bag of Growth Medium Spring. In June of 2010, the site was found to have exceptional in the fall of 2009 on one section of the embankment in vegetation establishment for this area in the plot treated with the combination with an organic, slow release fertilizer and then this Biotic Earth HGM. Whereas the control plot, where just the application was covered with a wood fiber mulch. Directly fertilizer and wood fiber mulch were applied showed no vegetation adjacent to the test plot a control plot was also installed using just establishment. The vegetation on the HGM portion of the the organic slow release fertilizer and the wood fiber mulch. In embankment is forming in clumps because an additional technique Colorado, Fall is the best time to seed because it provides the of placing small indentations into the soil is also used in this seeds the best opportunity for germination and early plant environment to further enhance soil moisture. establishment while there is moisture present. The soils for both test plots contained no organic material, show no defined structure, and were low in nutrient levels.
22 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Parachute, Colorado
Verdyol Biotic Earth Hydraulic Growth Medium was applied on soil embankment behind wellheads.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 23 Parachute, Colorado
The control plot where just the organic slow release fertilizer and wellheads and the electrical box. As seen there has been no wood fiber mulch was applied is located to the right of the germination or vegetation establishment on the control plot.
24 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Parachute, Colorado
For this semi-arid environment the HGM plot yielded exceptional plot still has experienced no germination as shown in the germination and vegetative growth in the foreground. The control background.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 25 Parachute, Colorado
Looking down slope on the vegetative growth experienced on the HGM plot.
26 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com MANITOBA FLOODWAY Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 27 Manitoba Floodway: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Project: The Manitoba Floodway expansion is one of the largest Challenge: On a 2 kilometer (1.24 mile) stretch of the floodway earth moving projects in Canada. With over 30 million cubic near Hwy #59 is a gravel/clay deposit that has very little to no meters (39,million cubic yard) of soil excavated over the 40 topsoil or organics. This till material is very erodible and traditional kilometers (24.8 miles) of channel, this project encountered many seeding methods have not worked in this area. unique challenges in terms of vegetation establishment.
28 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Manitoba Floodway: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Options: The Manitoba Floodway authority was considering Infrastructure and Transportation, Bill Barnes decided to do a trial importing topsoil to cover this area with something to get of the Biotic Earth Black system on a 1 Ha (2.49 acre) area. vegetation established and to stop erosion of the slopes. After hearing of the success of the Milner Ridge project with Manitoba www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 29 Manitoba Floodway: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
The Trial: Mid Canada Hydroseeding applied 3933kg/Ha Double netted straw blanket from ErosionControlBlanket.com. (3,500 lbs/acre) Biotic Earth Black ,175 kg/Ha (154 lbs/A) seed, The application was applied in October 2009. water and fertilizer with their hydroseeder and then applied S32
30 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Manitoba Floodway: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
The Result: After a long cold winter and an exceptionally rainy EarthBound Scientific provided the right protection and the correct spring the results were very satisfying for the Floodway Authority amount of organics and soil amendments to get the vegetation and Mr. Bill Barnes (please see testimonial). The area has established. vegetated extremely well with very little to no erosion occurring on Bill Barnes stated “he will use this system on other areas of the the site. The combination of the S32 Erosion Control Blanket along floodway project that are giving him growing issues”. with the growing medium of the Verdyol Biotic Earth Black and www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 31
BIG BOX STORE Barrie, Ontario
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 33 Barrie Ontario Big Box Store
Project: Big box store development (Lowes, Royal Bank, Zephyrs Seeding method: Hydroseeding the area was the seeding method of Grocery) choice and National Hydroseeding the contractor selected to do the job used Verdyol’s Hydrogold mulch at a rate of 2400kg/ha (2000lbs/acre) Challenge: To establish vegetation and control erosion on future building with Earth Bound 2000 at a rate of 45kg/ha (40lbs/ acre). lots in the development. The subsoil is very sandy silt and highly erodible to which the contractor installed 3 inches of topsoil before seeding.
34 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Barrie Ontario Big Box Store
Results: In less than 3 weeks and after two 1 inch intense rains the mulch held the erosion and a consistent stand of grass grew.
Quote: National Hydroseeding’s owner Ed Lange said “I like this product for three reasons”:
1. The packaging is great and I get more on top my truck than any other product.
2. It flows nicely through my hydroseeder and I get 30% more in a tank which means more productivity for my crew.
3. I find that I get better vegetation growing under wheat straw than wood or paper fiber and that is important in my industry.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 35 36 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com TERRA NOVA Ontario, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 37 Terra Nova, Ontario
Project: Line 2E Road widening near Terra Nova, Ontario. Challenge: Very steep hills with a very sandy soil, Difficult to widen road without large amount of excavation. Some of the slopes are 1:1 and 70 feet in height.
38 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Terra Nova, Ontario
Solution: Dol Hydroseeding proposed a two step approach. First This two step approach was necessary given the very sandy step is to apply Biotic Earth BFM at a rate of 3500lbs per acre to material and the steep slopes. Erosion Control Blankets where not add the organic amendment to the soil. Second step is to apply feasible in this situation because of the steep conditions and loose Soil Guard over top at a rate of 4000lbs per acre. material.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 39 Terra Nova, Ontario
Results: The project was seeded in late September/ October and areas, the BFM/Biotic Earth combination has held up in most did not have much time to fully mature but the initial results are places. impressive. Much of the area is fully vegetated and on near-vertical
40 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Terra Nova, Ontario
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 41 42 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com BISMARK ROAD Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 43 Bismark Road: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Project: The Rural Municipality of Springfield rebuilt the shoulders With limestone based aggregate and the left over material from of Bismark Road, which lead to a local scrap metal yard. Used reshaping the existing ditch, the base to seed upon was less than extensively by large trucks hauling junked cars this road was perfect for vegetation establishment. important structurally but not necessarily esthetically.
44 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Bismark Road: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Biotic Earth Black was selected as it has the highest percentage of organic material to amend the near barren aggregate and waste material that built the slope. The combination of micronutrients, mycorrhizae fungus and growth stimulants found in Biotic Earth Black enhance the success of the vegetation establishment on this junk yard road.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 45 Bismark Road: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Verdyol’s Earthbound 2000 was used to hold the Biotic Earth Black in place on the slopes as it was not feasible to go with the Biotic Max option of adding S32 erosion control blankets over top on this site.
The result is strong vegetation on poor soil for much less money than adding topsoil.
46 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com COMMON WEALTH STADIUM Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 47 Common Wealth Stadium: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Project: Expansion of the Common Wealth Stadium in Edmonton.
48 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Common Wealth Stadium: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Project: Expansion of the Common Wealth Stadium in Edmonton. Solution: Biotic Earth Black along with Clear Flow’s Polymer sprayed through a 500 gram/m2 geo jute erosion control blanket Contractor: Pro Lawn Hydoseeding, Edmonton at a rate of 3500 lbs per acre. Design: Dr. Ken Podlubny, Clear Flow Enviro Systems Group Inc. Results: Full vegetation and virtually no sediment loss in 20 days Challenge: Steep slope along side access road, draining to from seeding. sensitive storm drain system. Soil base was very heavy clay. www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 49 50 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com PEBBLE BEACH ROAD Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 51 Pebble Beach Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Project: Hand applied culvert treatment vegetation is usually specified.
Problem: Preventing erosion around a culvert structure is time The cost arises from having to haul and place topsoil on top of consuming and expensive as the need for topsoil to establish these structures that usually have a granular base.
52 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Pebble Beach Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Objective: Test Biotic Earth Black as a hand applied growth Application: Hand applied Biotic Earth Black at 6 square feet medium to establish vegetation around a culvert without the use of per pound, raked lightly into granular base. topsoil. Annual Rye Grass seeded at 100 lbs/acre. www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 53 Pebble Beach Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Result: Vegetation established on gravel substrate without the applied by maintenance staff without specialized equipment. need for topsoil.
Conclusion: Inexpensive erosion control treatment that can be
54 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com WHITE ROCK British Columbia, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 55 White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Project: City of White Rock, BC, Center Street Problem: Very sparse vegetation on a city owned property due to poor soil.
56 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Solution: Without the ability to till the soil Biotic Earth Black was sprayed at 3500 lbs/acre (3900kg/ha) in between the existing vegetation.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 57 White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
Results: Within 2 months the Biotic Earth Black with is proprietary biotic layer that help to establish new vegetation as well as helping blend of peat, straw, flax, mycorrhizae and micro and macro the existing vegetation flourish. nutrients and growth stimulants helps give the poor subsoil a new
58 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 59 60 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
From Manitoba to Alabama, Better Hydro-Mulches Are Emerging
By Chris Kelsey
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 61 The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control From Manitoba to Alabama, Better Hydro-Mulches Are Emerging By Chris Kelsey
before
“Biotics” is neither a household word nor a well-established term in “If you want to grow tomato plants and your soil is poor,” he asks, erosion control, despite the fact that many products use biotics of “do you think it would be better to amend your soil with a bag of one sort or another. But the use of biotic technologies is, in fact, peat or a bag of wood fibers?” growing—particularly in the field’s most-rapidly developing sector: The answer he gets from gardeners and non-gardeners alike is hydraulically-applied products. nearly always “peat.” The unfamiliarity that many feel towards biotics as a vital Then why do we apply to the poor soil on our constructions sites so component in the promotion of vegetation, such as post-construction many wood-reliant mulches that are designed to last longer and erosion and sediment control, is perhaps why Mark Myrowich, instead of amending the soil to get vegetation growing faster? CPESC, often opens a discussion of biotics with an example straight from the backyard. It’s a good question, and it’s gaining attention.
62 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
after
IT’S ALIVE! There is a time and place for everything. It should be noted right away that wood itself, being a biologically But blankets are not the best choice for all erosion control activities, derived and living thing, is a type of biotic; as is straw. Both are either due to site-specific conditions (such as slopes or flows that commonly found in erosion control materials. Myrowich, who might require very long-term turf reinforcement mats) or simply serves as CEO of Riverton, Manitoba’s ErosionControlBlanket.com, project owner or engineer preference. also produces a number of erosion control blankets and sediment The speed, small labor force, and strong performance afforded by control materials that feature straw, coconut, and similar materials. “hydro-mulching” have brought this sector’s products to the Those types of erosion control devices perform well, as the many attention of many site owners. other manufacturers and product users can attest. Sometimes one Creating a better hydro-mulch, then, has become the challenge in specifies degradable single-net, 16-ft-wide rolls for slope erosion the field. control. Other times one needs 6-inch-high straw wattles for sediment retention. The incorporation of biotic-rich peat has earned strong response.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 63 The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
HYDRO-A-GO-GO The North American-based, 1980s-founded Verdyol Plant Research, which licensed its technology from the original Swiss firm, now For many, hydro-mulch seems much newer to the market than it is, operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Myrowich’s company. perhaps because so many companies have come to it in recent years due to a high-level of demand by clients. Those who attend Drawing upon the established use of wheat straw, cotton and the International Erosion Control Association’s (IECA) annual proprietary elements, the company has continued to evolve. When international or more-regional conferences have undoubtedly it hit upon the incorporation of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, noticed many new, hydraulically-applied product exhibitors. But in and discovered that it could be delivered efficiently in a Ontario, for example, hydro-mulch formulas developed first in dependable mix with other key hydro-mulch components, the Switzerland by the plant science company Verdyol have been company’s soil scientists knew they were onto something. applied for nearly three decades. Peat provides these new hydraulic growth mediums, an organic Verdyol’s science is still an active influencer in the marketplace too. additive that is generally missing in poor soils. These mixes are
64 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
particularly relevant for sites that do not receive adequate moisture growth stimulants and micronutrients (Biotic Earth™ bonded fiber and depending on the mixture of the formula, they’ve been found matrix [BFM]). to perform very well on up to 3:1 slopes for erosion prevention The more intensive the application (as determined by slope, soil and vegetation re-establishment. quality, expected climate conditions, etc.), the stronger the formula At Verdyol, the initial growth medium mixes begin with 70% wheat must be. The organics within these mixtures—the biotics—promote straw and flexible flax fiber and 30% peat moss (Biotic Earth™). the essential long-term erosion control support. The next step up is a more robust mixture of 35% wheat straw / But just as blankets are not always the right choice, neither are flexible flax fiber and 60% sphagnum peat moss, plus additional hydraulically-applied growth mediums. Sometimes they are used in growth enhancements and mycorrhizae (Biotic Black Earth™ for combination, such as the application of biotic-rich HGMs before slopes, channels, riprap support, subsoil improvement, etc.). An blankets are placed on top. And sometimes they are both used on even stronger mixture is available with 70% wheat straw/flax fiber, a site in different zones, as the Milner Ridge wastewater facility 20% peat moss, and 10% cross-linking polymers, mycorrhizae, project shows.
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 65 The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
CASE STUDY: While many assume the water-abutting side of a berm is where failures will begin, it’s important to note the significant role that the MILNER RIDGE, MANITOBA non-water side can play in the onset of a failure. Erosion to the When the structural integrity of a wastewater lagoon is threatened surface of the non-water side can allow stormwater incursion to the by erosion of the ancient, glacial sand deposit on which it rests, core of the embankment. That process weakens the structure from how does one best secure 70,000 m² of slopes and channels? the inside-out. How does one do that in a timely fashion and within a budget? Eventually, it can lead to structural failure. Those were major questions for Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) a Department of the Government of Manitoba. This was a central concern at Milner Ridge.
The land side of the facility’s berms was experiencing erosion. The site soils could have been cured through the transplanting of topsoil—that’s often the case—but the volume needed would have
66 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
been enormous. The expense associated with transporting such an Design engineer Tim Lasuik of J.R Cousin Consultants Ltd. enormous amount of non-native soil was too great. And even if it (Winnipeg) worked with the Milner Ridge project manager, Harry had been brought to the site, additional erosion control and Schroeder, to find a strong solution that wouldn’t break the bank. vegetation materials would have been needed. Topsoil and seeding were deemed prohibitive, as was “staked” sod. The right solution for the site would be a source of erosion control that also improved the subsoil and promoted growth. If topsoil was to be used, the project team estimated that properly protecting the site from erosion would require four inches of Situations like this are exactly why hydro-mulching has grown in topsoil. The projected cost was $6.00/m². popularity and why renewed interest has gone into product development and application: to provide the living base for Conversely, an approach using a hydraulically-applied system—in vegetation without the need to overhaul the entire topsoil structure this case, Verdyol Biotic Black Earth™—came in at $3.15/m². (which, of course, requires stripping it from someplace else). Included in the cost of the Verdyol option was the utilization of
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 67 The Growth of Biotics in Erosion Control
single-net (S31) and double-net (S32) straw blankets from The project team’s expectations were met and exceeded. ErosionControlBlanket.com. Within several weeks of the project’s completion, it was put to the Application of the biotic mulch would initiate growth. The test: approximately 100 mm of rain fell within a 48 hour period. placement of the erosion control blankets would provide the “There was virtually no erosion,” Schroeder said. essential surface protection for this sensitive site as the subsoil improved. The Milner Ridge site stands as an exemplary use of these new grades of hydraulically-applied materials. And, to be sure, you’ll Once the plan was approved, Mid-Canada Hydroseeding (St. hear more about them and Biotic Earth in erosion control soon. Andrews, Manitoba) was brought in to conduct the application. Company personnel applied seed and fertilizer along with 3900 kg/ha of the Verdyol biotic material with its Canadian sphagnum peat moss.
68 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Combat Erosion Prone Conditions with BIOTIC GROWTH MEDIUMS
www.bioticearth.com Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding 69 Combat Erosion Prone Conditions with Biotic Growth Mediums
To prevent erosion the first step is to minimize the disturbance; if an foundation that will support vegetation. In some circumstances, area is left vegetated erosion will be less likely to occur. The especially in the north, the original topsoil layer is so thin that it is second step is to save the topsoil removed during a project, and impossible to save and replace. This was the case for the Hydro- replace it once the project is complete to provide the original Québec project and the Milner Ridge, Manitoba, project.
70 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Combat Erosion Prone Conditions with Biotic Growth Mediums
Both projects had sandy subsoil conditions, lack of organic What makes Biotic Earth different? material, long slopes, and little to no topsoil - these conditions Biotic Earth enables faster and more effective vegetation growth on provided a perfect environment for erosion. subsoil conditions. Unique to traditional hydromulch, Biotic Earth At the onset of these construction projects, the vegetation and combines wheat straw and flax fibre straw with Canadian topsoil were removed, leaving the subsoil (sand) vulnerable to Sphagnum Peat Moss and growth stimulants to help accelerate erosion. Typical erosion control material such as wood based long term growth. hydromulches and blankets would have prevented erosion, but the Mark Myrowich, President of Verdyol, has a different approach to concern was growing vegetation on the sandy subsoil. erosion control. “Our strategy at Verdyol is to not only prevent Verdyol Plant Research (Verdyol), a division of erosion, but to also build the foundation of the soil to shorten the ErosionControlBlanket.com, was contacted to come up with a growth cycle so that our customers have a smaller timeframe in solution that would combine the best of erosion control technology which they are susceptible to the effects of erosion.” with soil building technology. What they came up with was an Three different biotic spray-on products have been developed for advanced concept in hydroseeding technology called Biotic Earth. different conditions, Biotic Earth HGM (hydraulic growth medium), Biotic Earth is a combination of wheat straw based hydromulch Biotic Earth Black and Biotic Earth BFM (bonded fiber matrix). that is mixed with peat moss. The idea is to use the straw as the Where has it been used? erosion control material and the peat moss as the added organic to the soil. The base components of topsoil by volume is air (25%), Hydro-Québec water (25%), mineral (sand, clay, or loam) (45%) and organic In 2004, Hydro-Québec worked with Verdyol to combine peat material (5%). If topsoil is imported to the site, you are paying to moss with their wheat based straw mulch to help reclaim road bring 95% of the material you currently have on your site to get the sides that were being built on their northern construction sites near 5% organic needed. Based on this data, Verdyol’s developers James Bay. made the decision to add the organic hydraulically along with the hydromulch.
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Biotic Earth HGM applied in 2008, Biotic Earth HGM applied in 2008, Hydroseeder applying Biotic Earth HGM in Hydro-Québec. Hydro-Québec. 2008, Hydro-Québec.
After Biotic Earth HGM application, 2009, After Biotic Earth HGM application, 2009, After Biotic Earth HGM application, 2009, Hydro-Québec. Hydro-Québec. Hydro-Québec.
This project was located in the Northern Boreal forest where 34% Creeping Red Fescue salvaging topsoil was impossible, and there was no topsoil to 8% Timothy import. To further complicate matters, the subsoil was highly 5% Bent Grass erodible sand and their growing season was short. The goal was 20% Birdsfoot Trefoil to establish vegetation within one season and make it sustainable 15% White Clover without the use of topsoil. 15% Barley 3% Reed Canary Grass To accommodate this requirement, Verdyol Biotic Earth HGM at a rate of 2000 kg/ha was used. The seed mix was seeded at a rate A 12-18-12 fertilizer was used; 25% of this fertilizer was slow of 175 kg/ha and consisted of: release. Ver Tack was used as the tackifier at a rate of 80 L/ha on the steeper slopes.
72 Biotic Earth: A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding www.bioticearth.com Combat Erosion Prone Conditions with Biotic Growth Mediums
The goals were reached! “Renaturalization is a key aspect of all contributing to the harmonization of our facilities with the the rehabilitation efforts at our installations and development environment, protecting aquatic ecosystems and improving projects. At our northern facilities, replanting and reforestation terrestrial fauna habitat,” says Réjean Gagnon, Senior Adviser of efforts are particularly challenging because the annual growth Environmental Projects. “The straw- and peat-based hydromulch has season is very short and the topsoil is very thin and fragile. worked very well for us in this respect. Grass was growing within Preventing erosion helps us to preserve the road network essential the first season of its use, and within the second season birdsfoot to the operation of these very distant sites. It also translates our trefoil was blooming.” Hydro-Québec continues today to specify a commitment to minimizing the imprint of our projects by straw and peat based hydromulch in their northern areas.
Applying Biotic Earth Black at Milner Ridge site. Milner Ridge project complete May 15, 2009.
Milner Ridge project to obtain the best method of establishing vegetation on the sand beams surrounding the lagoon. Verdyol’s Biotic Earth Black was recently used to combat the erosion challenges at a wastewater lagoon development in Milner “Based on the significant erosion during construction, it was Ridge, Manitoba. The land at Milner Ridge is the remains of a recognized that a conventional topsoil/seeding or even a more sand deposit from Glacial Lake Agassiz. The project involved the expensive ‘staked’ sod approach was not viable”, comments Mr. protection of 70,000 m2 of slopes and channels from erosion that Harry Schroeder. “The integrity of the lagoon beams is critical to was undermining the structure itself. contain the effluent, and a cost effective, yet fail-safe system of erosion control is essential.” In speaking with Tim Lasuik, the design engineer at J.R. Cousin Consultants Ltd., and Mr. Harry Schroeder, project manager at the The options were to haul in four inches of topsoil at a cost of Milner Ridge project, there was much discussion at the onset of this $6.00/m2 or use Verdyol Biotic Black Earth system at a cost of
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Milner Ridge – June 4th, 2009. Milner Ridge – June 29th, 2009.
Milner Ridge – Organic layer cross section with roots penetrating into Extensive root growth from mycorrhizal fungus at Milner Ridge site. sandy subsoil at Milner Ridge site.June 4th, 2009. $3.15/m2. Included in the cost of the Verdyol option was the use In the case of Milner Ridge, a S31- Single sided straw blanket was of S31 and S32 erosion control blankets to kick start the growth of placed on the slopes and a S32- double sided straw blanket was vegetation while controlling erosion. placed in the channels. This was done to give extra erosion protection because of the high soil erodability and the length of the According to Lasuik, “The specialized hydroseeding proposal was slope. the lowest cost option in comparison to other alternatives.” “Our expectations with the finished product have been far Mid Canada Hydroseeding applied seed and fertilizer along with exceeded. Vegetation growth was rapid and consistent across the 3900 kg/ha of Verdyol Biotic Earth Black and a blend of 60% entire area,” said Harry Schroeder. “Within several weeks of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, 40% mechanically and thermally project completion, we had approximately 100 mm of rain fall processed wheat straw fiber with flexible flax fiber along with within a 48 hour period. I was expecting the worst, but there was added mycorrhizea inoculants, tricontonal growth stimulant and virtually no erosion.” micronutrients.
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A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding Biotic Earth
A Biotic/Living Approach to Hydroseeding
THE BIOTIC FAMILY
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