PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF SUGAR CANE FIBER GEOTEXTILES (REPORT 2: FIELD TESTING)

Prior research involved the production and laboratory testing of sugar cane fiber geotextiles for soil erosion control. Comparative preliminary studies were conducted on test slopes to determine slope stability, in horticulture plots to determine grass propagation characteristics, and in the laboratory to characterize physical properties. Based upon satisfactory laboratory and germination results, a field test was designed to determine product performance in a natural environment. A field test was conducted in cooperation with the Louisiana Transportation Research Center and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to compare the sugar cane fiber mats with commercially available natural fiber geotextiles of wood, coconut, and straw. Field test results indicated that protection provided for the seed bed during the vegetative establishment period and slope stabilization were satisfactory among all products. Further work will include a continuous process for sugar cane fiber mat formation and a spray-on application using bagasse fibers. Standardized product specifications need to be developed.