Using rainfall simulators to test wood shreddings for erosion control

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is considering alternative methods of erosion control when constructing roads, decommissioning roads, protecting lands burned by wildland fires, and reclaiming lands disturbed by other activities. This article is the second in a series of tech tips that discuss the use of wood shreddings for erosion control. The first tech tip, Shredding Small Trees To Create Mulch for Erosion Control (0471–2335–MTDC, http://www. fs.fed.us/eng/t-d.php) discussed the benefits of using wood shreddings rather than straw for erosion control, described three commercially available pieces of equipment that could manufacture shred-dings, and presented information on a project that used this technology. B The first tech tip did not present quantitative data to show how much shreddings reduce sedimentation and erosion. This tech tip discusses tests of shreddings using a rainfall simulator built at the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) laboratory in Moscow, ID. The testing was completed in the spring of 2005.

Citation

Gronier, James; Foltz, Randy; Showers, Charlie. 2005. Using rainfall simulators to test wood shreddings for erosion control. Engineering tech tips 0571-2329-MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Technology & Development Program. 6 p