More were installed using slightly different combinations in the fall. Native willow posts were used. Both willows and warm season grasses possess deep penetrating root systems, which hold loose soil in place. Warm season grasses are an alternative for landowners that fear encroachment of willows into cropland. A major problem with warm season grasses, however, is their slow initial growth.
Several species take two full growing seasons to become established.
Therefore, in this installation, bio-degradable mulch mats were utilized. The mats should hold the loose soil for two to three years, allowing the warm season grasses the time they need to grow and form a dense sod layer. Warm season grasses were used for one streambank stabilization project. The use of soil bioengineering technologies does have its limitations. Since the primary stabilizing measures are living, special care must be taken to ensure their survival.