Hydroseeding
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Hydroseeding (or hydraulic mulch seeding, hydro-mulching, hydraseeding) is a planting process that uses a slurry of seed and mulch. It is often used as an erosion control technique on construction sites, as an alternative to the traditional process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed.
Unlike conventional seeding, the liquid is mixed in a hydroseeding machine, with mechanical agitation and recirculation and applied in liquid form to the seeding area. This process can be used to revegetate large and inaccessible areas quickly and is often associated with large restoration and infrastructure projects.[1]
Description
The hydroseeding slurry is transported in a tank, either truck- or trailer-mounted and sprayed over prepared ground. Helicopters have been used to cover larger areas. Aircraft application may also be used on burned wilderness areas after a fire, and in such uses may contain only soil stabilizer to avoid introducing non-native plant species. Hydroseeding is an alternative to the traditional process of broadcasting or sowing dry seed. A study conducted along the lower Colorado River in Arizona, the United States found that hydroseeding could be used to restore riparian vegetation in cleared land.[2]
The slurry often has other ingredients including fertilizer, tackifying agents, fiber mulch, and green dye.[3]
History
The first commercial hydroseeder was invented in United States in the early 1950s during the construction of the interstate system[4] and was used in the United Kingdom in the 1960s.
Advantages
If planting a relatively large area, hydroseeding [5] can be completed in a very short period of time. It can be very effective for hillsides and sloping lawns to help with erosion control and quick planting. Hydroseeding will typically cost less than planting with sod, but more than broadcast seeding. Results are often quick with high germination rates producing grass growth in about a week and mowing maintenance beginning around 3 to 4 weeks from the date of application. Fiber mulch accelerates the growing process by maintaining moisture around the seeds thereby increasing the rate of germination.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "What is Hydroseeding?". Oliver Brown Ltd. Open Publishing. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
- ^ Matthew, R.G.; A.M. Michael; M.K. Martin; E.R. Barbara; M.G. Gregg; P.B. Daniel (2011). "Direct seeding for riparian tree re-vegetation: Small-scale field study of seeding methods and irrigation techniques". Ecological Engineering. 37: 864–872.
- ^ California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Sacramento, CA. "Construction Site Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual." Section 3, BMP No. SS-4. March 2003.
- ^ Parker, Allan (2014-03-15). "Hydroseeding History". Commercial Hydroseeding. Retrieved 2017-07-13.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Cook, Owen (2016-05-04). "Lawncare via. Hydroseeding". Tampa Landscaping. Retrieved 2016-05-04.
- ^ West, Dawn (2006-08-21). "Planting by Hydroseeding". All About Lawns. Retrieved 2013-05-14.
- Keating, Janis (March–April 2011). "Hydroseeding Moves Up". Erosion Control. 18 (2). Forester Media: 18–29.