A dry mixture for use with water has been developed to be used as an erosion control spray matrix for reducing erosion of sandy soils while awaiting development of a root system of plants to hold the soil in place. The dry erosion control mixture includes alpha-calcined calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a non-gypsum binder polymer; biodegradable fibers; and wood fiber mulch. An erosion control slurry is applied to an area of soil in need of erosion-control. After obtaining the dry erosion control mixture, it is mixed with water to form erosion control slurry. The ratio of the composition to the water is preferably from about 1:8 to about 1:12. Seed is distributed over the soil and the erosion control slurry is applied over the distributed seed.