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How are straw bales used to minimize erosion?

Last Updated: October 15, 2009

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Straw-bale check dams are temporary sediment barriers constructed of straw bales across small drainages. They decrease the speed of the water as it flows down the drainage, allowing sediment to settle out and be deposited behind the dams. This reduces the amount of sediment being deposited in streams and rivers fed by the affected drainage.

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