EVALUATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HYDROSEEDING METHODOLOGY

All construction activities disturb the soil on which they occur and destroy the protective vegetative cover over much of the area. Such disruption leads to soil erosion which has implications both environmental and aesthetic and on the stability of the road structure. Hydroseeding is a method of providing a quality turf in a relatively short period of time. In this process, top soil is spread over the surface of the exposed areas during or after construction. Next, a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, lime and binder is thoroughly mixed with water in a hydroseeding tank and sprayed over the soil. A second slurry consisting of mulch plus a binder is then applied. This report evaluates the hydroseeding process as practiced by the Newfoundland Department of Transportation. Techniques were developed to determine the turf establishment rate and general appearance of the grass. A number of recommendations were made, including: 1) the department should consider changing its grass seed mix to reflect current industry standards, 2) specifics relating to lime and fertilizer requirements should be changed to better reflect site specific requirements, and 3) grading of slopes should be done immediately prior to slope and surface preparation and natural topsoil should be set aside during construction for use in revegetation. (TRRL)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Newfoundland & Labrador Dept of Transportation

    6th Floor, Confederation Building Complex, Water Street
    St. John's, NF  Canada 
  • Authors:
    • Brenton, C
  • Publication Date: 1985-8

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00478541
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1989 12:00AM