Non Vegetation Wet Tropics Long Term Weed Control [1] Semi-Arid Zones Permanent [2] [1] Can be used to suppress the emergence of in-situ weeds. [2] Permanent protection can only be provided through vegetation establishment.
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Key Principles 1. Critical performance parameters include the ability to control raindrop impact and sheet erosion of the underlying soil, and the ability to establish the desired, sustainable vegetation cover. 2. 100% coverage of soil surface is required. 3. Generally suitable for use only on areas subject to “sheet” flow. 4. The use of compost blankets is appropriate where the topsoil is of poor quality or non- existent
Design Information Composts must comply with the requirements of AS4454. The method of application, and the selection of seed content and tackifier must be based on the topography, soil properties, and expected weather conditions (based on weather forecasting and historic climatic conditions). The maximum recommended bank slope of 1:1 (100%). Recommended application rates are presented in Table 1. The application rates may need to be modified based on experience gained from local trials.
Land slope [2] Annual rainfall [2] Application depth Application depth non- vegetated slopes vegetated slopes < 3:1 (H:V) 25 – 635mm 25mm 25 – 50mm 3:1 – 2:1 635 – 1270mm 25 – 50mm 50 – 75mm 2:1 – 1:1 > 1270mm 50 – 75mm 75 – 100mm [1] Application rates may be modified based on experience gained successful from local trials. [2] Application depth determined as the maximum depth of “land slope” and “annual rainfall” criteria.
Description Suitable for placement directly on A surface applied compost containing dispersive soils provided that the subsoils selected plant seed, fertiliser and tackifier have been tested and treated in (optional). accordance with the soil test (normally with gypsum). This need for soils testing applies The compost is usually applied using to all revegetation methodologies. blowers. Unlike conventional mulches, composted Advantages mulches have been allowed to biologically The residual compost contains many of the degrade for a predetermined period plant-growth properties (nutrients) desired resulting in a relatively stable product within a topsoil. generally free of viable seed content, thus reducing the risk of importing weed species. Use of a compost can avoid the need to import topsoil, thus reduces the risk of The high temperature (55°C) pasteurisation importing weed seed. process eliminates the biological viability of the seed content, and animal and plant Composts have a significantly lower risk of pathogens. containing weed seed compared to ordinary mulches. Purpose Composts can improve plant growth rates Used for both erosion control (wind and on impoverished soils, while also helping to rainfall impact), and site revegetation. break-up compacted subsoils, thus allowing better long-term plant growth. The attributes of compost blankets are best realised when used on steep slopes where Compost Blankets are significantly more there is little or no existing topsoil, or where stable than loose mulch blankets. the in-situ topsoil cannot be reused (e.g. Compost can be applied to very steep due to quality or weed issues). slopes (up to 1:1) depending on bank Can be used as a soil conditioner for stability. exposed, heavily-compacted soils that Compost blankets can reduce stormwater cannot be mechanically reconditioned due runoff rates over the short-term. to poor machinery access or potential damage to existing tree root systems by Compost products represent a sustainable such mechanically reconditioning. Compost recycling of domestic and commercial blankets increase the organic content of the garden waste. Local governments can soil, thus increasing stormwater infiltration, develop in-house compost production. water storage, and cation exchange Unlike some mulches, compost blankets capacity. are not subject to nutrient stripping during Commonly used for the revegetation of the decomposition of the blanket. roadside embankments and verges. Disadvantages Limitations Generally requires a significant treatment The ability of compost blankets to withstand area to justify initial transport and set-up concentrated flows depends on the choice costs. of tackifier and the expected rate of vegetation establishment. Maximum bank slope of 1:1 (100%).
Special Requirements • Maximum soluble salt concentration of Compost certification must comply with the 5dS/m, and pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. requirements of AS4454. • Moisture content of 30 to 50% prior to The use and selection of tackifier depends application. on land slope and potential surface flow conditions (i.e. stormwater run-on and Application runoff). 1. Refer to approved plans for location, It is important to ensure drainage from the extent, and application details. If there surrounding catchment does not cause are questions or problems with the displacement of blanket. location, extent, or method of A geogrid or synthetic two or three- application contact the engineer or dimensional blanket may be incorporated responsible on-site officer for into the blanket to increase short and long- assistance. term stability on steep (> 1:1) slopes. 2. Ensure all necessary soil testing (e.g. The blanket must extend at least 1m soil pH, nutrient levels) and analysis beyond the top of embankments steeper has been completed, and required soil than 4:1 (H:V) to minimise the risk of up- adjustments performed prior to slope run-on water flowing under the application. blanket. 3. Ensure the surface has been contour scarified and is free of vertical track Location marks of other features that may result Steep embankments or slopes containing in flow concentration down the slope little or no in-situ topsoil. even after placement of the blanket. 4. Where necessary, establish up-slope Site Inspection drainage controls to limit run-on water Ensure 100% coverage of the blanket (i.e. that may disturb the mulch. no exposure of the soil). 5. Spread enough compost to completely Randomly check for even coverage (i.e. cover the surface of the soil, and as a depth of blanket). minimum, at the application rate or thickness specified in the approved Performance Indicators plans.
Application depth measured at random test 6. Take necessary steps to ensure the locations. blanket is applied at a near uniform thickness. Application rate can be measured by placing collection trays at random locations 7. Ensure the applied blanket extends at across the proposed treatment area prior to least one (1) meter beyond the top of application of the mulch. The trays (of any embankment steeper than 4:1 known surface area) are dried and weighed (H:V), or otherwise to minimise the risk pre and post application to determine actual of up-slope run-on water flowing under dry application rate. The wet application the blanket. rate (i.e. with water) can also be recorded. 8. During application, all reasonable Percentage cover can be measured using efforts must be taken to avoid spray the quadrant method (a grided inspection onto roads, pathways, drainage plate which is photographed and analysed) channels not intended for application, or by visual estimation (refer to the and existing vegetation. Revegetation fact sheet). 9. Ensure the compost is restrained from excessive movement by wind or Materials stormwater runoff by the appropriately application of the specified tackifier. • Composts must comply with the requirements of AS4454. 10. If the treated area was seeded, continue to water after application of • Well-decomposed 100% organic matter the compost in accordance with produced by controlled aerobic weather conditions, or as required to (biological) decomposition. obtain suitable germination and • Maximum of 1% of inert material. satisfactory plant establishment.
Maintenance 1. During the construction period, inspect all treated areas fortnightly and after runoff-producing rainfall and strong winds. 2. Check for displacement of the compost. 3. Replace any displaced compost to maintain the required coverage. 4. Continue inspections until vegetation is suitably established or erosion control is no longer required. 5. If the compost blanket is not effective in containing the soil erosion it should be replaced, or an alternative erosion control procedure adopted.
