Hydromulching and Hydroseeding
Hyrdomulching is a specially blended mixture of mulch, seed, fertiliser, binders and water that can be sprayed on bare ground including steep batters.
Mixtures and application rates are varied to suit each individual site. Mixtures can include grasses, native trees or shrubs. With this type of treatment, post application of water is critical to ensure successful germination rates.
Mechanical Seeding & Hydromulching:
The application of seed and fertiliser, using either the drill seeding or broadcasting method to apply the seed, followed by the application of a hydromulch mix over the top. The advantage of this method is that the treated area can then be left as is, until there is sufficient rainfall to trigger germination, but in the mean time providing protection to the seeded area and preventing dust problems.
Erosion Solutions International has vast experience in the application of cover grass and native grass application. With the option of truck and tractor mounted units we can access most terrain with ease.
Hydromulching Care:
Post application of water is critical for successful germination rates. Because the seed has been immersed in water during the process, germination has begun, which means that it is then relying entirely on surface water to keep it alive. If it dries out at any time during the initial 5-7 days, it will die, and any belated watering is a waste of time and resources. Once a strike is visible, the watering can be reduced accordingly.
Hydromulching Aids: 
A number of products can be used to strengthen the hydromulching, usually a biodegradable matting such as jute, coir (coconut fibre), or similar. Depending on the application and type of matting used, the hydromulch can be applied either under or on top of the matting. This process is generally recommended when the area being treated is on a 2 in 1 gradient or steeper.
Heavy Rainfall:
Hydromulching can withstand heavy rainfall, but only up to a point. If the rain is heavy and sustained, the mulch cover will eventually fail to some degree. To what degree is subject to a number of contributing factors, such as duration, areas where there is a concentrated flow of water, length and steepness of slope etc. By increasing the amount of tackifier in the mix on the steeper slopes, these problems may be reduced to some extent, but not entirely. In the worst case scenario, it may require another application of mulch in any areas that have failed.
Seed Mix:
It is best, prior to specifying, to refer either a qualified seed merchant, or their price manual. In some cases, native seed types can cost as much as $2,000 to $3,000 per kilogram, because of either the rarity of a particular species or the difficulty in collecting them, which is obviously then reflected in the price of the hydromulching.
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Native Seeds:Native seeds can be included in your hydromulching mix, but as a general rule, they tend to be extremely stubborn, and will strike only when conditions suit them and not a moment sooner. |
