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Some of the advantages of hydroseeding / Hydromulching
The main advantage of this technique is that a quicker and more even
germination is achieved as the wood fibres used
provide moisture retention for the seed and the spray application
ensures an even distribution of seed. The fibres surround the seed
and keep it close to the ground where it is insulated from sun scorch,
protected from washing away and birds. The hydromulch fibres can hold
up to 10 times its weight in water, creating a near perfect environment
for germination. With the right temperature and moisture conditions,
this can occur within three to four days but the normal germination
rate is seven to 14 days. The mulch eventually biodegrades and acts
as a fertilizer.
Dust control
Both the interlocking wood fibres and the tackifier used in the
hydromulching process provide a good degree of dust control. Dust
abatement effect lasts far longer than water alone because the
tackifier polymer binds the interlocking wood fibres and the top
layer of soil into a wind-resistant crust Typical uses include dust
abatement on mining, roadwork, and construction sites.
Erosion Control, Slope Stabilization
When combined with seed and mulch, the polymer will stabilize topsoil
while creating a greenhouse effect to stimulate vegetation growth for a
period of up to one year. The polymer and mulch crust will protect the
soil from wind or sudden water runoff while
allowing the vegetation to germinate and grow. When vegetation is
fully established, the pulp will gradually biodegrade into the soil
matrix. Typical uses include newly graded highway cuts and berms, range
fire recovery areas, and open pit mine reclamation.
The Process
Hydroseeding, also referred to as hydromulching, is a grass planting
process. The process is fast, efficient, and economical. This
grass planting process is usually more effective than conventional
seeding and certainly more economical than conventional sodding.
The process begins by mixing mulch, seed, tackifier, germination and
growth promoting agents, fertilizer, and water in the tank of a
hydromulching machine. The mixed material is then pumped from the
tank and sprayed onto the ground. The material is often referred to as
slurry, much like a soupy batch of green papier-mâché.
Once applied to the soil, the material enhances initial growth by
providing a microenvironment beneficial to seed germination.
If the area being planted is smooth and manicured, the resulting
grass surface will be smooth and manicured. Golf greens are
frequently planted with hydromulching resulting in a smooth surface.
Hydromulching material is weed free. However, weed seed is almost
always present in the soil, and are certain to be blown in by the wind.
When the soil gets moisture and fertilizer from the planting process,
weeds usually appear within a short period of time.
The Mulch Material
Mulch products are usually produced from wood. The wood raw
material is processed into fibrous material. A very specific
fibre texture is particularly important in achieving an erosion
resistant product, which can also be easily pumped with a hydromulching
machine. The mulch fibre is dyed green for aesthetic reasons, but the
colour is also important so that the thickness of application can be
monitored.
The Value of Mulch
Mulch applied to the soil reduces moisture evaporation from the
soil. Grass seed needs soil moisture to germinate and grow.
Moisture must initially come from either irrigation or rainfall.
Once the soil has moisture, mulch helps the seed get the most benefit
from that moisture. Poor growth is almost always due to the seed
and or the seedlings not getting enough moisture during certain
critical times. Soil moisture is always important.
A good mulch application also provides erosion resistance. Soil erosion
caused by flowing water is always a factor.
Mulch helps hold soil in place and reduces the possibility that
the seeds will be washed away, providing a better chance for
establishing
a more uniform coverage of grass. Further, when soil erosion
is reduced, soil pollution of streams and other bodies of water bodies
is reduced.
The mulch, with its fibrous network in the soil,
can have significant benefits in reducing or preventing soil erosion.
Using a tackifier can enhance the strength of the mulch. A tackifier is
the glue for tying the mulch and soil together.
Hydromulching Has a Variety
of Uses
Hydromulching is ideally suited to revegetation of natural systems
using native plants as a tool in the management of the natural
environment, therefore more use should be made of it in these areas in
addition to it's more traditional role in horticulture at the present
time where new home lawns may be the largest single defined market
for hydromulching. Hydromulching is being used more and more in
new golf course construction. Each of these applications is
usually irrigated, and the turf resulting from the application is
usually classified as "fine turf". Sod Quality Results can be achieved
almost every time when appropriate amounts of quality wood mulch
and tackifiers are used.
New highway construction always needs new grass planted. Grass is
frequently needed on mine sites, and reclamation of mine sites has
increased with the recent concerns for the environment. Utility
construction areas frequently need grass after pipelines or power lines
have been constructed. The list of places for planting grass in these
"non turf quality" areas seems to be endless.
Hydroseeding, utilizing less mulch, is frequently used on these large
areas to be more economical. Hydroseeding can work well on these
"non-irrigated" areas, if the conditions are not too hot and dry.
Hydroseeding
With New Zealand Mosses and Native Plants