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'{{Refimprove|date=May 2011}} [[Image:hydroseeding isle of grain kent.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Hydroseeding being carried out at the [[Isle of Grain]], Kent, UK]] [[Image:T400Hydroseeder.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A commercial hydroseeder]] '''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 [[broadcast seeding|broadcasting]] or [[sowing]] dry seed. ==Description== The hydroseeding slurry is transported in a tank, either truck-mounted or trailer-mounted and sprayed over prepared ground. [[Helicopter]]s have been used to cover larger areas. Aircraft application may also be used on burned [[wilderness]] areas [[Post fire seeding|after a fire]], and in such uses may contain only soil stabilizer to avoid introducing [[Introduced species|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.<ref>{{cite journal |first=R.G. |last=Matthew |author2=A.M. Michael |author3=M.K. Martin |author4=E.R. Barbara |author5=M.G. Gregg |author6=P.B. Daniel |year=2011 |title=Direct seeding for riparian tree re-vegetation: Small-scale field study of seeding methods and irrigation techniques |journal=Ecological Engineering |volume=37 |pages=864–872}}</ref> The slurry often has other ingredients including [[fertilizer]], [[Tackifier|tackifying agents]], fiber mulch, and green dye.<ref>California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Sacramento, CA. [http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/CSBMPM_303_Final.pdf "Construction Site Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual."] Section 3, BMP No. SS-4. March 2003. </ref> ==History== Originating back to the USA in the 1940s, Maurice Mandell from the Connecticut Highway Department discovered that by mixing seed and water together, the resulting mulch could be spread and sprayed over the steep and otherwise inaccessible slopes of the Connecticut expressways.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Hydroseeding|url=https://oliverbrownltd.co.uk/hydroseeding/the-history-of-hydroseeding/|website=Oliver Brown Ltd|accessdate=25 October 2018}}</ref> ==Advantages== If planting a relatively large area, hydroseeding <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampalandscaping.org/lawncare-tips/ |title=Lawncare via. Hydroseeding |first=Owen |last=Cook |publisher=Tampa Landscaping |date=2016-05-04 |accessdate=2016-05-04}}</ref> 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. Hydro seeding 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-maintenance-care/planting-and-repair/planting-by-hydroseeding.php |title=Planting by Hydroseeding |first=Dawn |last=West |publisher=All About Lawns |date=2006-08-21 |accessdate=2013-05-14}}</ref> ==See also== *[[Bonded Fibre Matrix]] *[[Broadcast seeding]] ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Refbegin}} * {{cite journal |last=Keating |first=Janis |date=March–April 2011 |title=Hydroseeding Moves Up |url=http://foresternetwork.com/daily/soil/hydroseeding-moves-up/ |journal=Erosion Control |publisher=Forester Media |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=18-29}} {{Refend}} [[Category:Agricultural terminology]] [[Category:Environmental soil science]] [[Category:Gardening aids]] [[Category:Habitat management equipment and methods]] [[Category:Lawns]]'