AgricultureSoil SciencesErosion ControlSoil Organic MatterSoil ScienceComposting SystemsErosionMulching PracticesSoil ErosionSoil Erosion ControlSurface RunoffCompost Quality EvaluationErosion Control MaterialsField Pilot EvaluationField Scale Erosion AssessmentRunoff Erosion AssessmentSurface Runoff ProcessesSuspended Solids Analysis
Samples of compost and wood mulch were obtained from eight producers in Connecticut. The samples were subjected to laboratory tests to determine their physical and chemical properties for comparison with the CONEG specifications for source-separated compost. Three of the products were selected for large scale erosion control testing at a field site with a slope of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. Eight test cells (10 ft W x 35 ft L each) were prepared with different surface treatments including an untreated reference cell and a standard Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) hay and seed preparation. The compost and wood mulch products were used as erosion control filter berm material and erosion control mulch - with and without seeding. The surface runoff was collected in buckets at the base of the slope for several storm events over a one-year period. Following each storm, the runoff from each cell was analyzed for suspended solids concentration, conductivity, pH, and nutrients and selected samples were subjected to metals analysis. Results indicate that compost and wood mulch are at least as effective as the standard ConnDOT hay treatment in preventing erosion from slopes. Additional wood mulch was shown to effectively filter sediment from storm water runoff when placed as a berm at the toe of the slope.