Product Could Heal Soil After Fires

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Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007 | 10:45 a.m.

THE PRODUCT: Entrepreneur Mike Krysiak has developed a product to help prevent erosion after a wildfire - organic granules that bind with soil at the molecular level, forming a "net" that keeps dirt in place.

COST: U.S. Forest Service officials say three years of tests show the granules can decrease soil erosion and increase plant growth at half the cost of standard straw treatments.

OUTLOOK: Soil scientists say the treatment has been tested only in certain climates with certain soil types. It could take 10 years or more to accumulate enough research data to make the product a standard post-fire treatment.