Steep slopes are particularly vulnerable to erosion. When rain falls on an exposed slope, water can quickly move downhill, carrying loose soil with it. The steeper the grade, the greater the challenge of keeping soil in place long enough for vegetation to become established. For homeowners, contractors, landscapers, and restoration professionals, selecting an appropriate erosion control blanket can make an important difference. BioD-Mat 70 is a woven coir erosion control blanket designed to provide longer-lasting protection for areas where exposed soil needs support while vegetation develops.
Made from natural coconut fiber, BioD-Mat 70 combines physical erosion protection with a material that eventually biodegrades. This makes it particularly relevant for projects where both slope stability and environmental considerations matter.
Why Steep Slopes Are Difficult to Protect
On relatively flat ground, rainwater has more opportunity to soak into the soil. On a steep slope, gravity encourages water to move downward quickly.
When the surface is bare, runoff can:
- Dislodge loose soil
- Carry seeds downhill
- Create small channels
- Expose plant roots
- Gradually deepen erosion
Heavy rainfall can make these problems more pronounced. Once small channels develop, concentrated runoff may remove even more soil and make vegetation establishment difficult. This is why steep slope erosion control often requires more than simply spreading seed over exposed ground. The soil needs protection during the period when plants are still developing.
What Is BioD-Mat 70?
BioD-Mat 70 is a woven coir erosion control blanket made from natural coconut fiber. It belongs to RoLanka’s BioD-Mat range, which also includes BioD-Mat 40, BioD-Mat 60, and BioD-Mat 90. BioD-Mat 70 is intended for applications where a durable natural blanket is needed to protect soil while vegetation establishes. The woven construction helps hold the blanket against the slope and provides a protective surface over exposed soil. Water can move through the material while the blanket helps reduce the direct impact of rainfall and surface runoff.
How the Blanket Helps Hold Soil in Place
An erosion control blanket does not stop rain from falling or eliminate runoff. Instead, it helps manage what happens when water reaches the soil. The woven coir structure helps reduce the force directly acting on exposed soil. It also helps keep loose soil and seed in position rather than allowing them to be immediately carried downhill.
This is especially important during the early stages of restoration when there may be little vegetation to protect the ground. By providing surface coverage during this vulnerable period, BioD-Mat 70 gives plants an opportunity to establish.
Giving Vegetation Time to Grow
The purpose of many natural erosion control systems is not to remain the permanent source of stabilization. Instead, the blanket protects the soil while vegetation develops. As roots grow deeper and spread through the soil, they gradually provide natural reinforcement.
BioD-Mat 70 can support this process by helping create a more stable surface for seed and developing plants.
The blanket can help:
- Keep seed from being washed away
- Reduce surface soil movement
- Maintain contact between seed and soil
- Protect developing plants from runoff
- Support moisture retention around the soil surface
Once vegetation becomes established, the plants increasingly take over the role of stabilizing the slope.
The Importance of Woven Construction
The construction of an erosion control blanket affects how it interacts with the slope. BioD-Mat 70’s woven structure creates a network across the soil surface. When installed correctly, this structure helps hold soil and vegetation materials in place while allowing plants to grow through the mat. The blanket should have good contact with the ground rather than sitting loosely above it. Proper installation helps minimize gaps where runoff could move underneath the material.
Where BioD-Mat 70 Can Be Used
BioD-Mat 70 can be considered for a range of erosion control applications where longer-lasting natural protection is required.
Steep Landscaped Slopes
Homeowners may encounter erosion on sloped sections of their yards, particularly where grass or other vegetation has been removed. A natural coir blanket can help protect the exposed area while new vegetation develops.
Construction Sites
Construction can leave large areas of soil exposed to rainfall. Installing an appropriate erosion control blanket can help reduce soil movement during the period between grading and vegetation establishment.
Roadside Slopes
Road construction and grading can create steep embankments that require protection while vegetation becomes established.
Restoration Projects
Natural restoration work often requires erosion control that works alongside vegetation rather than interfering with ecological recovery.
Installing BioD-Mat 70 Correctly
Product selection is only part of successful erosion control. Installation is equally important. Before installation, the slope should be prepared so the blanket can sit closely against the soil. Loose debris and large objects should be removed where necessary.
The blanket is then positioned over the prepared surface and secured using appropriate anchors.
Particular attention should be given to:
- Top and bottom edges
- Side edges
- Overlapping sections
- Areas where runoff may concentrate
- Anchor spacing
The exact installation method should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and account for the conditions at the specific site.
RoLanka International Inc. provides natural products for projects where exposed slopes require dependable protection during vegetation establishment. The company offers steep slope erosion control solutions suited to demanding landscape and restoration applications. Our coir erosion control products are made from natural coconut fiber. Customers can explore our coir matting for slopes when surface protection is needed on graded terrain. Our company also provides free technical assistance and maintains a large inventory to help customers select appropriate slope stabilization materials. Do it right the first time and save the environment.
Get in touch with us now.