Improving Sites and Stabilizing Soils 
Soil conditions can be improved and undesirable competing vegeta- 
tion eliminated in the same operations. On reasonably flat or level 
sites, an ordinary farm tractor with attachments can be used to culti- 
vate the soil, break up the compacted layers, improve the infiltration 
of water, and eliminate existing small vegetation. Where a site is 
badly eroded, heavy machinery may be needed to fill in gullies, im- 
prove the shape of the landscape, and divert the surface flow of water. 
Before a permanent vegetative cover is planted on soils completely 
lacking in organic matter, a crop of coarse vegetation such as sweet- 
clover might be grown and plowed into the soil to improve its 
structure and ability to absorb and hold water. 
If overland flow is coming onto a planting site from above, ditches 
can be dug which will divert that flow away from the site. On 
the site itself, surface flow can be reduced and controlled by small 
terraces, contour ditches, or “wattling’ with live barley plants or 
small shrubs at 2- to 3-foot intervals on the contour. 
32 
Mulches are useful in protecting potential planting sites from 
erosion and freezing, and from rapid loss of soil moisture. Cuts 
and fills of newly constructed roads are often treated with an air- 
blown mixture of straw, asphalt or latex, and seed. This mixture 
dries into a firm but porous layer over the entire surface of the 
planting site. Fiberglass matting and paper and jute nettings are 
also used. 
Eliminating Competing Vegetation 
Cultivation is one of the most effective means of eliminating 
undesirable vegetation. To eradicate some species, burning or spray- 
ing with appropriate herbicides may be necessary. 
Fire and herbicides should be used with utmost care. Fire is 
difficult to control and some plant species sprout prolifically after 
burning. Herbicides must be confined to the specified area being 
treated. Information on the response of plant species to fire and 
herbicides, and laws governing their use should be obtained locally. 
Completion of a streambank 
stabilization job with mulch and 
poles in place to stabilize the 
bank until vegetation covers 
the site. 
B—486411 
