Hydromulching Using Australian Native Seed 

Although a large proportion of our work is carried out using grass seed, there is an increasing demand for for the hydromulching of disturbed areas with seeds of Australian native trees, shrubs and creepers. Spraygrass Services were first in offering this additional service, realising that not only was there a need to maintain the natural beauty of the Australian environment, but that only native vegetation would grow and flourish in some areas. The use of native species is especially suited to the revegetation of mine overburden and disturbed areas in national parks and adjacent areas.

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Hydromulching Using Australian Native Species Specifications

Extent of Work
The work included in this contract is as follows:

Native Seeding of Roadside Batters etc

Contractors Qualifications
Each tenderer shall submit documentary evidence of his proven ability to carry out this type of work. Such evidence shall include a list of similar projects satisfactorily completed together with a statement of the qualifications and/or experience of the personnel to be employed on the works.

Site Preparation
It is recommended that whenever possible, areas to be seeded should be topsoiled. Prior to topsoiling, the area should be ripped (up to 200mm deep). If topsoiling is impracticable, the area should be ripped using a suitable machine or a chain designed for this purpose. Wherever possible the area should be free of weed growth large stones or other debris.

Hydromulching
The application of Hydromulching Native seed shall commence immediately after topsoil has been placed or the surface prepared.

Application Rates
The required areas shall be treated by the Contractor will the following:

a. Native Seed (cover crop) 5 kg - 10kg per hectare. 20kg -50kg per hectare

b. Fertiliser (if applicable)250kg kg per hectare.

 

 c. Wood Fibre Mulch (dyed green)2 tonnes per hectare.

d. Polymer Binder (Liquid) Envirotack (Powder) Maximum 250 litres per hectare 40kg 60 kg per hectare.

Note: The seed and fertiliser rates are a representative sample only of the quantities that should be applied per hectare.

Operation
Seed, fertiliser, wood fibre mulch, water and binder shall be thoroughly mixed together with water to provide a slurry and then applied under pressure onto the area to be treated by means of hydromulching equipment specifically designed for this purpose and by operators trained n the use of this equipment.

After Care Maintenance
Where possible or practicable watering of the seeded area should be carried out. In this situation the wood-fibre should be kept moist until a satisfactory germination occurs. After this, sufficient watering must be kept up until the native plants have reached a stage where they can survive in their own right.

Note: Seed Preparation
1. The seeds of many Australian Native Species have a hard outer covering that must be removed or softened before germination can take place. Nature relies on bush fires to assist germination of some species by splitting the outer coating with heat. With the hydromulching technique, we immerse the hard seeds (eg Acacia) in boiled water and leave them to soak for up to 24 hours before planting.

2. In this operation the germination of Australia Native Species is not reliable and therefore can take up to 3 to 12 months before a result is achieved.

If you would like any additional information on this service, please 

Contact Us.