The Role of Vegetative Cover in Erosion Control
Erosion occurs on disturbed, cut, or organically depleted slopes where vegetation has been removed or cannot naturally establish. These areas are exposed to surface runoff, rill erosion, and ultimately severe soil loss. Vegetation acts as the primary natural defense by reducing rainfall impact, moderating runoff velocity, increasing infiltration, and binding the soil through extensive root systems. Herbaceous vegetation provides optimal ground coverage with minimal surface loading and delivers full slope stabilization. Through its continuous biological activity, it enhances soil organic matter and accelerates ecological rehabilitation.
Longevity and Function of Vegetative Cover
For erosion control projects, seed species are selected according to the climate, orientation, soil structure, and required establishment period of the project site. A durable vegetative layer must germinate naturally under regional rainfall and sustain itself without artificial irrigation. Seed mixtures typically include perennial and annual species, legumes, cool-season grasses, and deep-rooting varieties adapted to the local ecosystem. This ensures long-term stability, biodiversity, and soil regeneration.
The primary objective of any rehabilitation program is to reintegrate the site back into its natural ecosystem. Hydroseeding accelerates this process by preventing erosion, stabilizing the surface, adding organic matter, and improving soil fertility. Within a few years, a successful hydroseeding application will establish a native-equivalent vegetative community across the entire site.
Hydroseeding is widely recognized worldwide as one of the most effective and long-term erosion control technologies.
Erosion Control: Technical Approach
Slopes with depleted organic structure are under constant environmental pressure. Natural ecosystem regeneration on exposed soils can take decades, and only under relatively stable conditions. Until vegetation is established, these surfaces remain highly susceptible to erosion.
Modern technologies now allow successful vegetation establishment even on steep and severely degraded slopes. High application efficiency, the ability to treat slopes steeper than 1:1, and the capability to stabilize difficult terrain make hydroseeding an unrivaled solution in soil stabilization.
Two Ways Hydroseeding Prevents Erosion
-
Temporary Protection:
Provides immediate physical coverage, preventing soil displacement after application. -
Permanent Protection:
Long-term erosion control is achieved as vegetation becomes established and forms a continuous root system.
ProGanics™ Biotic Soil Media (BSM™)
ProGanics BSM is engineered as a performance-driven alternative to topsoil for sites with low organic matter and poor soil chemistry. It delivers a broad range of organic components that accelerate plant growth without the cost and logistics of imported topsoil.
“36 truckloads of topsoil can be replaced with 2 tanks of ProGanics.”
ProMatrix™ – High-Performance Erosion Control for Infrastructure Projects
ProMatrix was developed as a cost-effective BFM/SMM solution for road and infrastructure applications. It provides:
• High erosion control and rapid vegetation establishment
• 20% less loading compared to conventional products
• Easy loading, fast mixing, consistent spray pattern
• Lower application time and reduced overall project cost
Slope Stabilization for Low and Moderate Gradients
Wood and cellulose hydraulic mulches offer economical short-term erosion control for gentle slopes, providing up to 6 months of protection. Thermally refined wood fiber holds 13.5 times its weight in water, promoting rapid and uniform germination.
Erosion Control for Steep and Moderate Slopes
ProMatrix™ meets and exceeds global BFM/SMM performance standards. Hydro-Blanket® BFM and Terra-Matrix™ SMM outperform traditional erosion control blankets by delivering superior soil stabilization and sediment control.
Flexterra® FGM – Industry Benchmark
Flexterra is the leading Flexible Growth Medium (FGM) offering unmatched performance:
• Stronger slope protection than ECBs and BFMs
• Immediate soil adhesion with patented technology
• Up to 18 months of protection
• Increased moisture retention and optimized seed environment
Flexterra combined with proper seed blends delivers exceptional results on steep slopes and high-discharge areas.
Severe Slopes & High-Flow Water Channels
GreenArmor™ System is the most advanced vegetated reinforced matrix for protecting extreme slopes and hydraulic channels. When paired with Flexterra, it delivers maximum performance in high-flow conditions while maintaining a natural green appearance.
Sediment and Turbidity Control
Terra-Tubes® are designed for high-erosion soils to reduce flow velocity and trap sediment before it enters drainage systems. Constructed from wood fibers, synthetic filaments, and performance-enhancing polymers, Terra-Tubes provide reliable sediment filtration and stormwater treatment.
Soil Management & Sustainable Vegetation
ProPlus agronomic formulations enhance soil fertility, regulate pH, and improve chemical balance in poor soils. These amendments support faster vegetative development and long-term slope stability.
PS³—Profile’s web-based design software—integrates agronomic science with erosion and sediment control engineering to ensure accurate product selection and successful project outcomes.
