A new ASTM International standard, D 7322, Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Ability to Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Bench-Scale Conditions, covers guidelines, requirements and procedures for evaluating the effect of RECPs on seed germination and vegetation enhancement. The standard was developed by Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment Control Technology, part of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.
Rolled erosion control products are materials manufactured or fabricated into roll forms that are designed to reduce soil erosion and assist in the germination, establishment or protection of vegetation. According to Kurt Kelsey, chair of two task groups within Subcommittee D18.25 and director of technical services, American Excelsior Company, a need existed for a standard that could be followed to replicate similar test conditions for monitoring the ability of RECPs to encourage seed germination and plant growth conditions. “D 7322 is based on bench-scale conditions that can be easily replicated in a controlled laboratory setting,” says Kelsey.
Manufacturers of RECPs, as well as government agencies that use them, including state departments of transportation as well as the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program, are the most likely users of the standard, according to Kelsey. Kelsey also says, “End users of RECPs still need to monitor soil fertility and seed mixture selection for each job site because the results of the standard are based on controlled laboratory conditions on a bench-scale level.”
Kelsey encourages interested parties to join the subcommittee, which is currently at work on several proposed standards. “It would be helpful if more members could attend the meetings because that is where a majority of the potential issues regarding proposed standards can be resolved with the help of the entire group,” says Kelsey.
ASTM International standards are available for purchase from Customer Service (phone: 610/832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at www.astm.org. For further technical information, contact Kurt Kelsey, American Excelsior Company, Rice Lake, Wis. (phone: 715/234-6861; kkelsey@erosionlab.com). Committee D18 meets Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2008, at the January committee week in Tampa, Fla. For membership or meeting information, contact Robert Morgan, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org).
Release #7816
Release #7816