Roadside Sediment Production and Control

Abstract

THE COOSA WATERSHED STUDY IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA, THUS FAR, HAS REVEALED THAT HEAVY ANNUAL SOIL AND WATER LOSSES OCCURRED FROM BARE ROAD CUTS AND HIGHWAY DITCHES. THESE LOSSES ARE A SERIOUS PROBLEM TO AGRICULTURE, RESERVOIRS, STREAMS, AND HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE. ADAPTABLE PLANTS ON WELL- FERTILIZED AREAS DEVELOPED EFFECTIVE COVER FOR CONTROL OF EROSION ON THESE AREAS. MULCHES WERE ESSENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COVER ON THE STEEPER CUTS AND FOR THOSE PLANTS THAT SLOWLY DEVELOPED A COMPLETE COVER. BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THIS STUDY WILL BE APPLICABLE TO OTHER AREAS SIMILAR TO NORTH GEORGIA. /AUTHOR/