hydroseeding
{{Short description|Planting technique}}
Image:hydroseeding isle of grain kent.jpg, Kent, UK]]
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.{{cite journal |last=Keating |first=Janis |date=March–April 2011 |title=Hydroseeding Moves Up |url=https://www.stormh2o.com/erosion-control/vegetation-management/article/13005971/hydroseeding-moves-up |journal=Erosion Control |publisher=Forester Media |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=18–29}}
Description
The hydroseeding slurry is transported in a tank, either truck-mounted 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 reported that hydroseeding could be used to restore riparian vegetation in cleared land.{{cite journal |first1=R.G. |last1=Matthew |first2=A.M. |last2=Michael |first3=M.K. |last3=Martin |first4=E.R. |last4=Barbara |first5=M.G. |last5=Gregg |first6=P.B. |last6=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 |issue=6 |pages=864–872 |doi=10.1016/j.ecoleng.2011.01.003}}
The slurry often has other ingredients including fertilizer, tackifying agents, fiber mulch, and green dye.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.
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.
Advantages
If planting a relatively large area, hydroseeding 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.{{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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216005412/http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-maintenance-care/planting-and-repair/planting-by-hydroseeding.php |archive-date=2018-12-16 }}
Seeds are applied to tilled soil using a high pressure hose. The seeds are likely mixed into a water-based spray that often contains mulch, fertilizer, lime, or other substances that promote seed growth.{{Cite web|last=Dyer|first=Mary H.|date=23 March 2020|publisher=Gardening Know How|title=What Is Hydroseeding: Learn About Grass Seed Spray For Lawns|url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/what-is-hydroseeding.htm|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=www.gardeningknowhow.com}}