Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Enhancement of Seed Germination and Plant Growth

This test examines the effects of RECPs on seed germination in a simulated, controlled climate. Containers of soil are sown with seeds and then covered with an RECP. Containers are then placed in an environmental chamber to regulate and document light, water, and temperature. The rate of germination is measured periodically throughout the test, and the weight of vegetation is calculated at the conclusion of the growth regimen. The test is conducted using a specific test seed mix. The ratio, as a percentage, of the weight of vegetation using a RECP to the weight from the control test pots is the vegetation enhancement.

TRI may also perform vegitation growth cycles on seeded pots for subsequent hydraulic shear testing. This enables one to study the time dependency of vegitation and it's related impact on hydraulic shear resistance. Hydraulic shear testing is performaed in accordance with ECTC Draft Procedure #3.