2009-07-24_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M2009076 (2)

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BMP: MULCHING 1. METHODS: Mulch is essential for re-vegetation success. Mulch protects bare soil from erosion until new vegetation grows large enough to do the job. It also holds seed and fertilizer in place, keeps soil moist and shades seedlings, helping them to become established. Straw is the best mulch material. Apply 1 bale of straw per 1,000 sq. ft. Distribute the straw evenly so that it forms a layer 1" to 2" thick. Soil should still be visible through the straw mat. If you apply too much mulch, it may produce a mat too dense for seedlings to penetrate. Anchor the straw by punching it into the soil every 1' to 2' with a dull, round- nosed shovel to avoid cutting the straw) or by covering it with netting (jute, plastic mesh, woven paper, or chicken wire). Fasten the netting to the ground with wire staples. Because the soils in many areas are quite hard, you may have to use netting to anchor the straw. Wood fibers, wood chips, and pine needles are other usable mulch materials. Wood fiber mulch is applied hydraulically in a slurry that also contains the seed and fertilizer. It is suitable for use on steep slopes or large areas and must be applied by a contractor. (The application rate for wood fiber mulch is 3,000 lbs/acre.) Wood chips and pine needles can protect the soil from erosion, but they also inhibit plant growth. They can only be used where a grass cover is not desired. Apply wood chips so that the soil is completely covered. Apply pine needles in a layer 2" to 3" thick. You can save the pine needles from graded areas on your property to use as mulch later, but you will probably have to supplement them with wood chips to achieve an adequate ground cover. 2. MATERIALS: Straw, wood fibers, wood chips, or pine needles. 3. MAINTENANCE TIPS: Replace as required. 3. TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT USE: Mulching is a temporary BMP.