Example properties of soil binders for erosion prevention. Source: California Stormwater Quality Association; California Stormwater BMP Handbook.
Link to this table

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 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

1Application rate varies with slope steepness (i.e., steeper = more); see manufacturer’s recommendation.


This page was last edited on 24 July 2022, at 14:55.