Performance Standards for Straw Mulch Binding Agents

This project proposes to determine the factors and characteristics of a variety of straw binding agents compared to emulsified asphalt, which has long been the standard practice. The two factors involved in straw mulch failure are wind and water erosion, and both will be tested. Furthermore, tests of vegetation establishment as affected by these binders will also be performed. This study will build on several recent studies on slope erosion and vegetation establishment. The study will have the following components: (1) Construct a portable wind tunnel capable of generating sufficient velocities to cause the various straw/binder combinations to fail. This will require some preliminary testing as there are no previous studies on this subject. Tests will include the straw/binder combinations under wet and dry conditions. (2) Using the portable rain simulator constructed as part of a currently funded project, test the straw/binder combinations on 2:1 slopes and sheet erosion conditions. (3) Conduct vegetation establishment studies for the most successful binders under a variety of conditions. (4) Prepare recommendations on the use of straw binders.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $159080.00
  • Contract Numbers:

    2015-17

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    North Carolina Department of Transportation

    Research and Development
    1549 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27699-1549
  • Project Managers:

    Kirby, John

  • Performing Organizations:

    North Carolina State University, Raleigh

    College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
    Department of Soil Sciences, Campus Box 7619
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-7619
  • Principal Investigators:

    McLaughlin, Richard

  • Start Date: 20140816
  • Expected Completion Date: 0
  • Actual Completion Date: 20171231
  • Source Data: RiP Project 37120

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01537233
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: North Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Contract Numbers: 2015-17
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Sep 5 2014 1:00AM