Hydromat MFL or erosion control mat? The technical guide to making an informed choice

1. What is Hydromat and how it works
2. Erosion control mats: what they are and when they are cost-effective
3. When Hydromat MFL truly makes the difference
4. Installation and site management
5. Typical applications
6. Integrations with hydroseeding and slurry components
7. When to prefer Hydromat over erosion control mats

Hydromat MFL is a fiber-reinforced erosion control matrix applied directly to the soil using a hydroseeder. As it dries, it forms a flexible, soil-conforming cover that creates microcavities for water retention and oxygen exchange, promoting uniform seed germination. Water retention capacity: ≈13× its own weight.

The mechanism is simple: the matrix fills the voids of the soil surface, envelops the particles, and increases their anchorage, creating a continuous and stable soil–product interface, unlike discontinuous coverings. This continuity dampens rainfall impact, reduces runoff, limits fine particle removal, and generates a moist-aerated microclimate ideal for germination. When applied together with hydroseeding, the matrix achieves 100% uniform coverage in a single step, conforms to terrain irregularities, and reduces washout from the first rainfall events.

Erosion control mats (biodegradable blankets made from natural fibers) provide mulching and reduce runoff. They are effective on moderate slopes, and in locations where dry installation with mechanical fixing is logistically simple. Their benefits include immediate physical protection, and over time, they integrate into the soil, adding organic matter. Performance is optimal on uniform slopes. On highly irregular surfaces, however, installation requires more time and care to prevent air pockets or poor adhesion.

Hydromat MFL is ideal when continuous coverage, high adhesion, and fast application are essential. On irregular surfaces, in presence of emerging gravel, vegetal residues, or even on wire mesh-reinforced slopes, the sprayed matrix conforms to the terrain and eliminates weak spots typical of erosion mats, where lack of adhesion can trigger erosion or runoff.

Even under suboptimal weather, the matrix remains bonded to the surface, absorbing rainfall impact and preventing washout during early germination.

The Hydromat vs erosion mat comparison is practical, not ideological: on sites where mat installation is labour-intensive and hard to fix, Hydromat allows for streamlined operations, repeatability, and fewer risks linked to inconsistent application. Conversely, on regular and accessible slopes, if the specs call for mats (even pre-seeded), the traditional solution remains valid.

Hydroseeder mixing must ensure a homogeneous slurry; uniform distribution is key to turning a good project into an effective site implementation.
During the initial weeks, maintaining adequate soil moisture—avoiding excess—is essential to prevent crusting or early-stage erosion.
Routine monitoring enables targeted touch-ups and adaptation of irrigation and fertilisation to vegetative feedback.

For erosion mats, installation quality is critical: precise layout, full contact with the soil, well-overlapped joints, and anchor planning based on slope angle, wind, and expected runoff.
On uneven terrain, additional surface prep may be needed to avoid voids or bulging.

Hydromat MFL is a versatile solution: Ideal for infrastructure slopes, residential and industrial zones, landfills, quarries, roadside ditches, and even metal-mesh-reinforced embankments, where seamless coverage is critical. Its ability to deliver effective protection in one step is a major advantage when timing is tight or weather windows are narrow.

Erosion mats still play an essential role in landscape-sensitive projects or when combined with other tools (biomesh, fiber rolls) to slow down linear runoff and retain sediments—especially on long slopes with gentle gradients.

Hydromat MFL works in synergy with standard hydroseeding components. Additives such as water-retaining agentsor technical fibers boost the matrix’s performance, especially on steep slopes or unstable soils.
The goal is to ensure stable and complete coverage during the critical germination phase, with an optimal soil structure and nutrient profile to support root growth.

Hydromat MFL consolidates the benefits of hydroseeding in one application:

• 100% continuous coverage from the first pass
• Soil conformability
• Rainfall impact mitigation

The matrix lets light and moisture pass through, retains water, and releases it gradually, maintaining a microclimate that supports germination and minimizes initial washout. Upon drying, the matrix turns into a flexible, mat-like layer that remains bonded to the soil—even on rough terrain—keeping fine particles in place and offering better erosion control than conventional covers. Effectiveness is nearly immediate and improves with full drying. No preliminary soil prep is needed.

The system is suitable for slopes steeper than 2.5:1 and in presence of heavy rainfall. It is compatible with hydroseeders equipped with mechanical agitators, which simplifies site logistics and reduces labour compared to mat systems.

Comparative testing confirms superior performance: Soil loss reduced from 85,000 kg/ha on bare soil to just 200 kg/ha with Hydromat. Long-term performance is validated by ASTM D5338 testing.

Designing with HYDROMAT MFL depends on slope steepness, surface condition, soil type, and climatic factors. Average dosage: ~400 g/m², adjusted based on slope class tables and surface irregularities (which increase the effective area to be covered). For exact recommendations, technical consultation is advised.

Choose Hydromat MFL when you need:

• High performance on steep slopes (~1:1 or more), with urgent need for rain protection
• Single-pass continuous coverage and high adhesion on uneven surfaces, minimizing bulging and runoff risks
• Fast germination, thanks to water retention and favourable microclimate; performance increases after drying
• Operational efficiency: fast application, reduced labour, no soil prep, compatible with mechanical-agitator hydroseeders

Full Service’s erosion control solutions stand out for their ability to combine:

• Technical efficiency

• Environmental sustainability

• Long-term reliability

Among these, Hydromat MFL represents the evolution of traditional erosion mats:
a biodegradable fiber matrix, applied in a single pass with hydroseeding, capable of adhering even to steep and irregular slopes.

Developed through targeted research and real-world project experience, Hydromat MFL guarantees proven, measurable results in:

• Erosion reduction

• Immediate surface protection

• Enhanced vegetative growth

Its innovative formulation acts as a water-retaining agent, improves seed germination, and creates a uniform microclimate for even root establishment.

The Full Service approach favours low-impact, fast-to-apply, and long-lasting protective solutions.
With Hydromat MFL, targeted interventions are possible—optimising time and resources, while ensuring maximum performance, safety, and sustainability.