Page 33 - GRIHA Manual Volume II - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 33
Sustainable site planning 25
Application: This method of soil stabilization heavily depends upon the season and rainfall rate
for success. In hot and dry regions, the climate prevents fast plant growth and, therefore, other
temporary measures such as mulching and geo-textiles should be considered. A landscape architect
should be consulted to decide on the seed mixes and soil treatment. Seeding on slopes of 2:1 or
more, in adverse soil conditions, regions where hot or dry season is expected or where heavy rains
are expected, should be followed by spreading mulch.
earth dikes and contour trenching
An earth dike is a ridge and channel arrangement constructed parallel to the contours along the face
of the slope at regular intervals on the lengths and slopes greater than 10% (1:10). They are used to
protect the work areas from upslope runoff and to divert the sediment – laden water to sediment
traps. The dike can be made of compacted soil and stone, or vegetation to stabilise the channel.
Figure 11 Section showing earth dike
mulching
Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on the top of the soil. Mulching is
a temporary soil stabilization technique. Mulches can either be organic, such as grass, hay, straw,
wood chips, and similar materials, or inorganic, such as stones and brick chips. Mulching should
be used with seedlings and plantings in steep slope areas (slopes>33%). Steep slopes are prone to
heavy erosion. Netting or anchoring should be used to hold it in place. Other surface runoff control
measures like contour terracing to break up concentrated flows shall be installed prior to seeding
and mulching.
Application: Mulching provides immediate protection in areas which are prone to heavy erosion
and temporary seeding is not applicable because of season and climate. (Source: EPA, Chapter 3 –
Sediment and erosion control).
geotextiles
Geotextiles are porous fabrics which are manufactured by weaving or bonding fibres made from
synthetic materials. Geotextiles like nets when combined with mulch act as stronger mulch. Nets
are made from jute or other wood fibres and can be used to stabilize soil while plants are growing.
Geotextiles could also be used to stabilize the flow on channels and swales. It could also be used to
protect seedlings until they become established.
Application: This method of soil stabilization heavily depends upon the season and rainfall rate
for success. In hot and dry regions, the climate prevents fast plant growth and, therefore, other
temporary measures such as mulching and geo-textiles should be considered. A landscape architect
should be consulted to decide on the seed mixes and soil treatment. Seeding on slopes of 2:1 or
more, in adverse soil conditions, regions where hot or dry season is expected or where heavy rains
are expected, should be followed by spreading mulch.
earth dikes and contour trenching
An earth dike is a ridge and channel arrangement constructed parallel to the contours along the face
of the slope at regular intervals on the lengths and slopes greater than 10% (1:10). They are used to
protect the work areas from upslope runoff and to divert the sediment – laden water to sediment
traps. The dike can be made of compacted soil and stone, or vegetation to stabilise the channel.
Figure 11 Section showing earth dike
mulching
Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on the top of the soil. Mulching is
a temporary soil stabilization technique. Mulches can either be organic, such as grass, hay, straw,
wood chips, and similar materials, or inorganic, such as stones and brick chips. Mulching should
be used with seedlings and plantings in steep slope areas (slopes>33%). Steep slopes are prone to
heavy erosion. Netting or anchoring should be used to hold it in place. Other surface runoff control
measures like contour terracing to break up concentrated flows shall be installed prior to seeding
and mulching.
Application: Mulching provides immediate protection in areas which are prone to heavy erosion
and temporary seeding is not applicable because of season and climate. (Source: EPA, Chapter 3 –
Sediment and erosion control).
geotextiles
Geotextiles are porous fabrics which are manufactured by weaving or bonding fibres made from
synthetic materials. Geotextiles like nets when combined with mulch act as stronger mulch. Nets
are made from jute or other wood fibres and can be used to stabilize soil while plants are growing.
Geotextiles could also be used to stabilize the flow on channels and swales. It could also be used to
protect seedlings until they become established.
