Data were obtained by subjecting test plots to high intensity (4 inches per hour) rainfall applied with a USDA rainfall simulator.

To simulate runoff and erosion that might occur immediately following completion of a construction project, half of the plots were tested without vegetative cover.

The remaining test plots were tested approximately six weeks later after erosion control vegetation was established. 

In addition to collecting erosion and water quality data, weeds and planted species were harvested from test areas.  These were dried in the laboratory and weighed to quantify the amounts of biomass produced by each type of compost and soil.