Vegetation is established following construction through various seeding and mulching practices. Environmental permits in West Virginia require a minimum of 70% of ground cover by area for release of a construction site. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), like many other states, has specifications for temporary and permanent seeding and mulching practices. This research critically evaluated the best management practices (BMPs) utilized in the WVDOH specifications, developed recommended revisions to the specifications, and created supplemental materials for future application. Recommended revisions to the WVDOH include: topsoil, improved soil tests, rolled erosion control products (RECPs), biological growth stimulants (BGSs), hydraulic growth mediums (HGMs), and different types of hydraulic erosion control products (HECPs). Topsoil contains many important properties for the establishment and longevity of vegetation, such as organic matter, water, minerals, and microorganisms. BGSs are a source for organic matter and other important nutrients for vegetation. HGMs are products that can be used as a direct topsoil replacement in areas topsoil may not be available. Soil testing determines the amount of soil amendments to add to the soil for optimal vegetation results, such as limestone, fertilizer, and organic matter. Mulching procedures, such as HECPs and RECPs, were added based on their effectiveness in erosion prevention during seed germination and long term vegetation establishment. The most effective methods in each of the BMPs were added to a revised version of the WVDOH specifications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.