Which erosion control best management practice helps with water infiltration and slows stormwater flow?

Vegetation is a highly effective erosion control best management practice because it plays a significant role in enhancing water infiltration and slowing down stormwater flow. Plants, with their root systems, help to stabilize the soil, reducing the risk of erosion while also promoting the absorption of water into the ground. This natural process allows for more effective rainfall management, as vegetation can capture and retain water, preventing it from running off quickly.

Moreover, the presence of vegetation improves soil structure and increases its porosity, allowing water to penetrate deeper into the ground rather than contributing to surface runoff. In addition to mitigating erosion, the growth of vegetation contributes to overall ecosystem health and can provide habitat for wildlife, further promoting biodiversity in an area.

Other practices, such as fiber rolls and silt fences, do serve important roles in managing stormwater and erosion but are typically more focused on redirecting or containing sediment rather than improving infiltration and reducing flow rates. Retaining walls can help manage slope stability but do not contribute to the natural absorption of water in the same way that vegetation does.