Straw Wattles 101 – The Effective Tool for Preventing Soil Erosion

If you’re a farmer or grape grower, then you know that one of your main challenges is preventing soil erosion. When soil is weakened because of erosion, it isn’t able to absorb as much water. This can lead to flooding, which can result in a large amount of standing water. When soil stays flooded, it can interrupt the planting of your new crops. Fortunately, straw wattles are effective tools for preventing soil erosion.

Here’s what you need to know about straw wattles along with how A&J Vineyard Supply can help.

¿Qué son las barbas de paja?

Most likely, you’ve heard of straw wattles. However, you may not understand what they are. Also known as noodles, straw worms, or straw bio-logs, these are erosion-control devices that fight soil erosion.

They’re made of weed-free substances, such as rice, wheat, or wood fibers, blown or stuffed into a mesh or burlap casing and measure about 25 pies de largo y 9 pulgadas de ancho but aren’t that heavy. Since they’re exceptionally flexible, you can easily work with them.

Los beneficios y usos de las barbas de paja

Control de la erosión del suelo

One of the main uses and benefits of straw wattles is for controlling erosion. Because they’re planted on slopes, these tubes are ideal for stopping excess water from running down the hills. This is critical when you need to prevent soil erosion that’s the result of heavy rainfall and winds.

When soil doesn’t have protection from the wind, erosion results, carrying the soil to another area. In a similar way, water erosion happens by unprotected soil being whisked away by windy weather to another spot. This kind of erosion mostly damages the most fertile portion of the soil, which is the top layer. Tragically, erosion causes the loss of almost 24 mil millones de toneladas de suelo fértil cada año. Esta es la razón por la cual las barbas de paja son tan esenciales para que el proceso de erosión del suelo pueda ralentizarse.

Control de sedimentos

Another use for straw wattles is for sediment control, which pertains to keeping eroded soil off of a construction site so that excess runoff and chemicals don’t pollute surrounding areas and water sources. Although farmers can use silt fences for sediment control, they cost more and don’t have the strength of straw wattles. Because silt fences are constructed from thin synthetic fabric, they can easily break or bend during flooding. However, straw wattles lie low and are more affordable and stronger.

Infiltración

El proceso natural que implica agua que baja al suelo is known as infiltration. This process is essential for providing just the right amount of water to an environment. However, consider that water can move too quickly through the soil, depending on factors, such as soil type and the inches per hour that it’s absorbing.

Cuando el exceso de agua está en el suelo, el suelo no puede absorberlo adecuadamente. Por lo tanto, necesita una filtración saludable para que su tierra pueda almacenar agua para el crecimiento de las plantas, junto con los organismos del suelo.

Otros beneficios importantes

In addition to being an ideal solution for filtration, straw wattles can be cut and joined together. They have natural, biodegradable materials. What’s more, there’s no need for a clean-up. They can be easily staked into place and are effective for storm drains or inlets. Moreover, they add roughness to the soil.

¿Dónde pones las barbas de paja?

It’s extremely important that you install your straw wattles correctly so that they work properly. Even though they can perform on a stream bank, don’t place them in the pathway of high water flow.

Cuando instale en una pendiente, colóquelos en un contorno al final de una fila que tenga un ángulo hacia abajo. Esto es para que pueda detener la acumulación de agua en la sección media. Las condiciones del sitio, como el tipo de suelo y la pendiente del suelo, son los factores principales que deben determinar espaciamiento vertical.

La línea de fondo

Los zarzos de paja son un método eficaz y asequible para prevenir la erosión del suelo. Como resultado, esto puede conducir a un suelo más saludable, así como a una menor contaminación, un mejor medio ambiente y cultivos más productivos.

Para más información sobre métodos de control de la erosión y cómo A&J puede ayudar, Contáctenos.