Evaluating Erosion Control Blankets Made with Waste Wool in Southeastern Idaho

This project seeks to evaluate a promising new material – woolen erosion control blankets – in order to improve Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)’s ability to address roadside reclamation requirements and to determine the most effective ways to provide for the long-term establishment of desirable perennial native vegetation as well as reduce surface erosion and weed establishment. Of particular interest are roadsides in environments where cheatgrass and other exotic or weedy species often dominate after disturbance and make it difficult for native perennials to establish. Researchers will compare the performance of the traditional erosion control blanket (ECB) used by ITD contractors for roadside slope revegetation - a straw/coir (coconut fibers) Type III ECB - with several newly developed woolen ECB prototypes of varying ratios of wool to straw. Researchers will also develop recommended protocols for the use wool-straw ECBs in ITD revegetation plans and projects.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $79000
  • Contract Numbers:

    RP 277

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Idaho Transportation Department

    P.O. Box 7129, 3311 West State Street
    Boise, ID  United States  83707-1129
  • Project Managers:

    Salmore, Alissa

  • Performing Organizations:

    Western Transportation Institute

    Montana State University, Bozeman
    P.O. Box 174250
    Bozeman, MT  United States  59717-4250
  • Principal Investigators:

    Ament, Rob

  • Start Date: 20180815
  • Expected Completion Date: 20201130
  • Actual Completion Date: 20211231

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01703602
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Idaho Transportation Department
  • Contract Numbers: RP 277
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Apr 30 2019 1:06PM