Surface treatment compositions and their methods of preparation. Such surface treatment compositions can comprise a solid cross-linking agent and a water-soluble polymer. Such solid cross-linking agent can include a plurality of dialdehyde residues, and the water-soluble polymer can include a plurality of pendant groups capable of covalently bonding with the solid cross-linking agent. The surface treatment compositions can further comprise a fibrous material. Applications for such surface treatment compositions include soil erosion prevention, dust control, and landfill cover.