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Section 780.18 (b) Continued. <br />• <br />Mulching"and'Sdi1 Stebiliiing-Techniqu@s <br />Mulch is defined by 30 CFR 701.5 as a material that aids in soil <br />stabilization, promotes soil moisture conservation and encourages <br />plant germination and growth. In the preceding discussion of <br />mulching and soil stabilizing practices, attention has been given <br />only to how existing management related practices of regrading and <br />topsoiling can be used to minimize the potential problems of wind <br />and water erosion. <br />.• <br />Erosion can be further controlled by proper planning and site <br />preparation. In those areas liable to produce wind and water <br />erosion, such as on newly revegetated lands, the movement and <br />proper care of the topsoil figures foremost. Wind erosion can be <br />most effectively controlled during revegetation by moving the <br />topsoil at times when it has a moist consistency (Section 816.24), <br />because moving topsoil when it is dry causes problems of excessive <br />dust, and moving the topsoil when it is too wet results in unneces- <br />sary compaction. The best period to strip and reapply topsail is <br />when the topsoil is somewhat moist. If the topsoil is moist when <br />it is being removed or replaced, it will be more resistant to <br />erosion after it has been laid down. (Bauer, et. al. 1976). Move- <br />ment of topsoil when it has somewhat of a moist consistency will <br />result in a reapplied soil surface that will form a surface seal as <br />the silt and clay fractions bond together. This surface sealing, <br />resulting from evaporation of surface moisture, will greatly lessen <br />the effect of any wind erosion which might occur on the site. <br />In addition to the proper timing of the soil replacement, the area <br />must be properly prepared to receive the soil. Sites will be <br />subjected to final grading but left fairly rough to enhance sta- <br />bility of soil after it has been reapplied. Soils put on such <br />stable surfaces will be less likely to slide off than soils applied <br />li <br />780-80 <br />