What percentage of ground cover is required for adequate vegetative cover?

The requirement for adequate vegetative cover is crucial for effective erosion and sediment control. A percentage of 95% ground cover is often specified to ensure that the soil surface is sufficiently protected against erosive forces such as wind and water. This high level of ground cover helps to stabilize the soil, reduce runoff, and enhance water infiltration, thereby mitigating erosion risks significantly.

Achieving 95% ground cover typically involves a combination of well-established vegetation and mulch, supporting the development of a robust root system that binds the soil together. The dense coverage also promotes a healthy ecosystem, boosts soil health, and fosters biodiversity, which all contribute to enhanced sediment control.

Other percentages, while they may offer some level of protection, do not provide the same level of assurance against erosion. For instance, lower percentages like 50% or 80% might not effectively shield the soil or might lead to higher chances of erosion and sediment loss during rainfall events, thus failing to meet the stringent standards often set by environmental regulations and best management practices in erosion control.