Evaluation criteria |
Binder type |
Plant material based (short lived) |
Plant material based (long lived) |
Polymeric emulsion blends |
Cementitious - based binders |
Relative cost |
Low |
Moderate to high |
Low to moderate |
Moderate |
Resistance to leaching |
High/td>
| High |
Low to moderate |
Moderate |
Resistance to abrasion |
Moderate |
Low |
Moderate to high |
Moderate to high |
Longevity |
Short to medium |
Medium |
Medium to long |
Medium |
Minimum curing time before rain |
9 to 18 hours |
19 to 24 hours |
0 to 24 hours |
4 to 8 hours |
Compatibility with existing vegetation |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Mode of degradation |
Biodegradable |
Biodegradable |
Photodegradable / chemically degradable |
Photodegradable / chemically degradable |
Campatibility with existing vegetation |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Mode of degradation |
Biodegradable |
Biodegradable |
Photodegradable / chemically degradable |
Photodegradable / chemically degradable |
Labor intensive |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Specialized application equipment |
Water truck or hydraulic mulcher |
Water truck or hydraulic mulcher |
Water truck or hydraulic mulcher |
Water truck or hydraulic mulcher |
Liquid / powder |
PowderX |
Liquid |
Liquid / powder |
PowderX |
Surface crusting |
Yes, but dissolves on rewetting |
Yes |
Yes, but dissolves on rewetting |
Yes |
Clean up |
Water |
Water |
Water |
Water |
Erosion control application rate |
Varies1 |
Varies1 |
Varies1 |
4,000 to 12,000 lbs / acre |