Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding – anywhere you like
In areas where access is difficult, hydroseeding is often the only way to establish grass cover. Examples may include banks, reservoirs, the edges of watercourses and rubbish tips. Hydroseeding can also be used for dust control at coal tips.
The method is both rational and safe and is therefore often regarded as an alternative to normal seeding when areas larger than 1,000 m² are involved. This could be anything from verges to golf greens. In many situations it will be an advantage not to have to drive on the freshly prepared ground, and with hydroseeding you can sow and add fertiliser in one and the same operation.
Sow anything you like
This technology does not limit the type of seeds that can be sown. The seed type is determined according to the task. Often the task will involve establishing a large area of grass with a certain element of erosion control, but all seed types can be sown using the hydroseeding method, from the smallest grass seeds through wild herbs to the seeds of woody plants.
What sort of seedbed is required?
Hydroseeding technology does not have any special requirements concerning seedbeds. It is not necessary to remove stones, etc., and uneven ground has no effect on the distribution of seeds. Only the way in which the area is used afterwards can have an influence on whether or not preparation of the seedbed is required.
Hydroseeding can continue throughout the growing season and is not dependent in any way on the weather. Only establishment and the rate at which this occurs are likely to be affected by the seedbed and the weather.
What species are recommended for slopes?
Growing conditions on slopes, etc. are often quite extreme. On south-facing slopes, the soil temperature is often quite high and the soil dries out quickly. In these conditions, red fescue (festuca rubra) and hard fescue (fescue ovina duriuscula) fare best. It is these species that grow best where cutting is limited, e.g. on banks that are only cut once a year.
Strong creeping red fescue (festuca rubra rubra), with its long underground rhizomes, is ideal, as the long underground rhizomes help to stabilise the soil. At the same time, this type of plant can regenerate from its rhizomes following summer stress.
Slender creeping red fescue (festuca trichophylla), with its short rhizomes, is better able to tolerate salt than other subspecies and can thus be used to advantage along road verges, where the salting of roads contributes to a higher salt content.
In extremely hot conditions, as in southern Europe, for example, it may be possible to use tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea).
To stabilise the soil quickly and prevent erosion, it is important that seed mixtures contain some ryegrass (lolium perenne). Perennial ryegrass is ideal for the purpose and over time will contribute to plant growth in coexistence with fescue. The deeper root penetration of ryegrass also promotes soil stabilisation. In more extreme conditions where steep slopes are involved, it can be a good idea to mix in 10 % Italian ryegrass Lolium multiflorum) to ensure optimum germination and establishment.
Browntop bent (Agrostis tenuis) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) are two species that are very adaptable when it comes to soil conditions. However, the very low seed weight requires a good seedbed in order for the grass to be able to germinate and become established.
Examples of suitable mixtures for slopes
DLF UNIVERSAL ROAD
50 % Festuca rubra rubra
40 % Lolium perenne
10 % Festuca ovina duriuscula
DLF UNIVERSAL PARK
30 % Lolium perenne
40 % Festuca rubra rubra
30 % Festuca ovina duriuscula
For hydroseeding of other areas, special mixtures are recommended (see Golfmaster and Turfline mixtures from DLF-TRIFOLIUM). For golf course mixtures, see the description under Turf and Technical Info.
Composition of spray mulch
The mix comprises the chosen seed mixture, fertiliser and a cellulose material. The latter helps to bind the seed to the ground surface. A bright green dye is added to the entire mix, making it possible to see where you’ve already sprayed the mulch.
Normal composition for 100 m²
1.5-2.5 kg seed mixture
3-4 kg NPK fertiliser 21-3-10
2.5 kg cellulose material
Any colouring
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