Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008 - (Page 17)

should be avoided if possible. Lime and fertilizer can harm the seed when left in the tank for too long and are actually more effective when incorporated into the soil prior to seeding and mulching. Seed applied with the mulch may land on the mulch surface, where it is unlikely to survive. Hydromulch is best applied after liming, fertilization, and seeding. Sprigging with hydraulic applicators, which involves putting plant sprigs or pieces in the tank and spraying them out with the mulch, has been met with some success as well, but this is generally limited to level areas with irrigation. When applying hydromulch, follow the manufacturer’s directions for rate and method of application. The rate of hydromulch depends on the slope where it is being applied. Mulch can be applied at a known rate by calibrating the spray hose, but many applicators prefer to apply the mulch by “eyeballing” it until coverage is sufficient. Regardless of application method, the mulch should be applied from both the top and bottom of a slope to ensure uniform coverage. Several basic types of hydromulches are discussed in table 3, along with notes concerning application and appropriate circumstances of use. Hydromulching cost varies with the type of mulch selected, the application equipment, water availability, and area size. The least expensive products are paper based, while the most expensive are bonded fiber matrix products. Costs can range from $0.41 to $1.15 per square yard, not including seed, fertilizer, or lime. As a general rule, the more expensive hydromulches, such as bonded fiber matrices, tend to offer better protection against erosion, but actual results are site specific. Summary Good ground covers are the ounce of prevention to avoid the pound of cure. Regardless of the type of erosion control measure used, the long-term efficacy of the ground cover depends on proper slope preparation, correct selection and installation of erosion control materials, and the selection of the appropriate seed or plant mix for the location and time of year. And in many situations where ir- rigation is not available, success is largely dependent on Mother Nature providing adequate rainfall. SLDT About the authors: Rich McLaughlin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor/Extension Specialist and Deanna Babcock is an Extension Associate in the Soil Science Department at North Carolina State University. Rich can be reached at 919-515-7306 or rich_mclaughlin@ncsu.edu and Deanna at 919-515-8745 or deanna_babcock@ncsu.edu. Circle 142 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 17 http://www.env21.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com

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Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2008

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