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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 Mosses And Native Plants