Reinforcement turfs are devices used in erosion-vulnerable areas and wetlands to decrease soil erosion, increase soil stabilization and promote long-term vegetation growth. These devices are processed and packaged in the form of geo textiles and are extensively used by construction engineers, farmers and environmentalists for their various environment preservation and restoration needs.
There are two types of reinforcement turfs currently available in the market: erosion control blankets (ECBs) and turf reinforcements mats (TRMs).
Which reinforcement mat is superior and which one should you choose for your project?
Let’s decide this with a turf showdown…
Erosion Control Blanket – The All-Natural Solution!
Erosion control blankets or ECBs are natural fiber geotextiles, typically made from coir. These devices provide erosion control by protecting the field soil from the forces of nature (wind and water) that otherwise can sweep the soil particles away with one swift movement. Furthermore, their ability to absorb moisture from the environment keeps the soil moist, providing seedlings with the ideal environment to grow.
Besides decreasing erosion and increasing soil stabilization, erosion control blankets also provide mulch for vegetation growth upon degradation.
Types of erosion control blankets
Based on your needs, you can choose from three types of erosion control blankets:
- Temporary erosion control blankets for short-term erosion control
- Extended temporary erosion control blankets for moderate-term erosion control
- Semi-permanent erosion control blankets for long-term erosion control
Applications of erosion control blankets
You can use erosion control blankets for:
- Slope stabilization
- Bank restoration
- Wetland restoration
- Channel filtration
- Hillside erosion control
Turn Reinforcement Mat – The Near-Permanent Solution!
Turn reinforcement mats or TRMs are synthetic geotextiles that offer a near-permanent solution for erosion control, soil stabilization and vegetation growth. Unlike ECBs, TRMs are non-biodegradable which makes them a perfect choice for long term deployments. However, because they are made from synthetic materials, their installation is a risk for the environment.
TRMs provide erosion control and soil stabilization by acting as a strong anchorage for the soil and accelerate vegetation growth by serving as an artificial root system for the seedlings and plantations.
Applications of turf reinforcement mats
Turf reinforcement mats can be used for:
- Slope protection
- Bank protection
- Channel protection and filtration
- Inlet protection
So which reinforcement mat wins it for you? Which side are you on – ECBs or TRMs?
A BONUS read: Why Synthetic Erosion Control Blankets Do More Harm Than Good