Item 659  SEEDING AND MULCHING

659.01  Description

659.02  Testing of Soil or Topsoil

659.03  Lime

659.04  Commercial Fertilizer

659.05  Topsoil

659.06  Compost

659.07  Seeds

659.08  Legumes

659.09  Native Grasses and Wildflowers

659.10  Site Preparation

659.11  Placing Topsoil

659.12  Seeding Methods

659.13  Mulching Operation

659.14  Straw Mulch

659.15  Wood Fiber Mulch

659.16  Compost Mulch

659.17  Watering

659.18  Maintenance

659.19  Mowing

659.20  Repair Seeding and Mulching

659.21  Inter-Seeding

659.22  Fertilization:  2nd Application

659.23  Performances

659.24  Method of Measurement

659.25  Basis of Payment

 

659.01  Description.  This work consists of placing topsoil, preparing the seed bed, and placing and incorporating seed, agricultural lime, commercial fertilizer, and placing mulching material.

Perform this work in stages according to Item 207.

Perform this work in areas shown on the plans for seeding and mulching.

Perform seeding and mulching after completing all work in the area and within 7 days of obtaining final grade.  If it is anticipated that future work may disturb an area, place temporary seed (Class 7), and provide mulch according to Item 207 and perform seeding and mulching after all work is completed.  If the Contractor disturbs a final area, then the Contractor shall restore this area.

Use all excavation material in the work.  Alternatively legally use, recycle, or dispose of all excavated materials according to 105.16 and 105.17.

659.02  Testing of Soil or Topsoil.  When a Soil Analysis Test of the soil or topsoil is required in the plans, use the following sampling frequency to determine the lime required:

A.     When an area is near final grade, perform Standard Soil Analysis Test to measure the soil acidity or alkalinity (pH) if no topsoil is to be placed.  This testing will determine the soil requirements for lime.  If the soil requirements are different than the standard lime mixture ratio application rates then the standard application rate shall be adjusted up or down such that the soil requirements are met.  If liquid lime is used then use the following application table to achieve a  pH of 6.5 or greater. Calculate the difference between the  soil pH and 6.5 pH.

Difference

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.0

Application rate

in gals/ac (L/ha)

2.5   (4)

5   (8)

10  (15)

20  (30)

Example:    Soil Analysis Test pH=5.75 required pH=6.5 difference= .75 required application rate is 10 gals/ac (15L/ha) Only use Liquid lime on the QPL list.  Provide the Engineer with the Liquid Lime manufacturers written application rate. The Engineer will only accept printed application rates.

There will be no change in the mixture ratio.  The sampling frequency is one sample every 10 acres (4.0 ha) per project side or one sample per project side which ever is greater.  A sample consist of 15 soil cores in a random pattern spaced at a minimum of 500 feet (153 m) apart.  Sample any change in soil.  Soil changes can be seen as color and/or texture changes.

B.      If placing topsoil, perform the Standard Soil Analysis Test from topsoil stockpiles to measure the topsoil acidity or alkalinity (pH).  This testing will determine the soil requirements for lime.  If the topsoil requirements are different than the standard lime mixture ratio application rates then the standard application rate shall be adjusted up or down such that the topsoil requirements are met. 

If liquid lime is used then use the following application table to achieve a  pH of 6.5 or greater. Calculate the difference between the  soil pH and 6.5 pH.

Difference

.25

.50

.75

1.0

Application rate

in gals/ac (L/ha)

2.5   (4)

5   (8)

10  (15)

20  (30)

Example: Soil Analysis Test pH=5.75 required pH=6.5 difference= .75 required application rate is 10 gals/ac (15L/ha) Only use Liquid lime on the QPL list.  Provide the Engineer with the Liquid Lime manufacturers written application rate. The Engineer will only accept printed application rates.

There will be no change in the mixture ratio.  The sampling frequency is one sample every 10,000 cubic yards (7600 m3) of a topsoil stockpile, or at least two samples per stock pile which ever is greater.  Test each stockpile.  A sample consisting of 15 soil cores in a random pattern spaced evenly throughout the stockpile.

Mix the 15 cores from each sample and then remove 1 pint (0.5 L) for testing.

The Ohio County Extension offices can provide the Contractor with a soil sample kit and testing laboratory locations.

The Department will review the sample test results and approve application rates for the standard mixture ratios provided by the Contractor.

If a Soil Analysis Test of the soil is not required by the plans, use the standard application rates for lime and commercial fertilizer.

659.03  Lime.  Obtain granular or liquid lime from a agricultural lime dealer or manufacturer whose brands are grades registered or licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture.  The granular or liquid lime standard grade is Ag-ground 90+.  Ag-ground 90+ is defined as agricultural ground limestone, having a total neutralizing power (TNP) of 90 percent or more, at least 40 percent passing a No. 100 (150 mm) sieve and 95 percent passing a No. 8 (2.36 mm) sieve.  Test granular or liquid lime according to Supplement 1007.  Apply the granular or liquid lime standard grade Ag-ground 90+ at the standard application rate of 92 pounds per 1000 square feet (2 tons per acre) [0.45 kg/m2 (9 metric tons/ha)].

The Contractor may provide other lime grade materials.  The lime grade materials provided will meet Table 7-10 “Equivalent Amounts of Liming Materials” found in Bulletin 472, Ohio Agronomy Guide, published by the Cooperative Extension Service, The Ohio State university.  Based on the type of lime grade material provided, determine the increase or decrease in the standard application rate from Table 7-10 “Equivalent Amounts of Liming Materials” found in Bulletin 472, “Ohio Agronomy Guide”, published by the Cooperative Extension Service, The Ohio State university.

If using liquid lime apply liquid lime at a rate of 5 gals/acre (8 L/ha) unless other wise required per the soil or topsoil Soil Analysis Test. Provide the Engineer with the Liquid Lime manufacturers written application rate. The Engineer will only accept printed application rates. Only use Liquid lime on the QPL list.

If testing of the soil or topsoil was performed, the lime required will be such that a growing environment of slightly acidic (pH 6.5) can be reached.  The application rate of the standard grade lime Ag-ground 90+ will be adjusted up or down to achieve this condition and reported to the Department for approval.  No lime is required for the soil or topsoil if the test shows a slightly acidic condition.

659.04  Commercial Fertilizer.  Obtain commercial fertilizer from a dealer or manufacturer whose brands are grades registered or licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture.

Commercial fertilizer may be dry or liquid.  Apply standard commercial fertilizer 10-20-10 evenly over the surface at a standard dry application rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet (0.1 kg/m2).  Furnish liquid application rates for approval by the Department.

The Contractor may provide other commercial fertilizer mixture ratios, however, ensure that the ratio meets or exceeds the standard commercial fertilizer ratio of 10-20-10 by providing an application rate specific for that ratio.  The Department will approve this application rate that is specific to that ratio provided by the Contractor.

For areas of inter-seeding apply commercial fertilizer 12-12-12 over the affected area at the above rate.

For commercial fertilizer second application the method, mixture, and rate is broadcast 12-12-12 evenly over the surface without incorporation into the soil at a rate of 10 pounds per 1000 square feet (0.05 kg/m2).

659.05  Topsoil.  If placing topsoil as specified in the plan, then stockpile off project site topsoil for testing and/or stockpile stripped topsoil from the project for testing.  Perform the Soil Analysis Test from these stockpiles to determine the percent of organic matter present.  The topsoil shall contain between 4 percent and 20 percent organic matter as determined by loss on ignition of samples oven dried to constant weight at 212 °F (100 °C) and consist of fertile, loose, friable, and loamy material that contains humus material.  For topsoil to be considered loamy, ensure that the fraction passing the No. 10 (200) sieve does not contain more than 40 percent clay. Test topsoil according to Supplement 1016.

The Department will review the sample test results and approve the stockpiles for use.  Stockpiles outside the above limits will not be used.

Stripped topsoil from the R/W limits will be from the upper most layers of the excavation areas.  Remove all heavy grass, weeds, and other vegetation before stripping topsoil from the excavation areas.

A mixture of 1 part compost and 2 parts topsoil will be treated as topsoil.

659.06  Compost.  Acceptable compost shall include Ohio EPA rated Class IV compost, EQS biosolids compost, or a Department approved equal.  Furnish compost with a nitrogen content of 1.4 percent or above.  Obtain compost from an Ohio EPA approved facility.  Before delivering compost, provide the Engineer with the facility name and location.

659.07  Seeds.  Furnish grass seed from a grass seed dealer or grower whose brands are grades registered or licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture or from the approved list of grass seed dealers or growers on file with Department.  Furnish the kind and type of grass seed required that meets current specifications on file with the Department as to percentage purity, percentage weed seed, and percentage germination.

Turf grass germination rates specifications are shown below in Table 659.07-1 to provide an understanding of the specifications on file with the Department along with information to understand what is required.

Table 659.07-1  GERMINATION RATES

Species

Minimum

Percent

High Quality

Percent

Kentucky Bluegrass

80

85

Fine Fescue

85

90

Perennial Ryegrass

85

90

Annual Ryegrass

85

90

Tall Fescue

85

90

Creeping Red Fescue

85

90

 

If high quality is not shown on the plans, then the minimum germination rate is required.

Mark the test date on seed bags. Furnish seeds as separate species and cultivars, packaged together or bagged separately, and labeled, tagged, or marked according to ORC 907.03.  Sow seeds within 9 months of the testing date.  The Department reserves the right to test, reject, or approve all seed after delivery.

659.08  Legumes.  Inoculate or treat all leguminous seeds (crown vetch) with the proper amount of pure nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mix with sufficient water to thoroughly wet the seed.  The bacteria selected will be for maximum vitality and shall not be more than one-year old.  All culture records will be provided with the leguminous seeds.

If sown hydraulically, use 4 times the inoculant rate specified by the inoculant manufacturer.  If pre-inoculated seed is used then use 3 times the inoculant rate specified by the inoculant manufacturer.  Immediately before seeding, add inoculant and sticking agent directly into the slurry, and thoroughly mix the slurry.  Sow seed as soon as possible after inoculation.  If left standing for more than 24 hours, reinoculate seed before sowing.  Mix all seed on the project.  Sixty days before seeding, provide a written description for the Class 3C mixture showing the percentage by weight (mass) of each kind of seed for the Engineer’s approval.

Include the following with the description:

A.     Name and location of the seed supplier.

B.      Origin and date of harvest of each kind of seed.

C.      A statement of the purity and germination of each seed.

D.      Testing date for each seed.

E.      How and when seeds were mixed.

659.09  Native Grasses and Wildflowers.  Table 659.09-1 lists the seed quantities by weight per area.  Use Classes 4, 5, and 6 in the amounts of pure live seed (PLS) for each species listed.  If seed tests show that the seed has an actual pure live seed (PLS) yield less than the intended yield, adjust the specified quantity to provide the intended PLS yields.

For Class 4, 5, and 6 mixtures, provide seed specifically grown for the Ohio climate.

Use cool season turf Classes 1, 2, 3A, and 3B as listed in Table 659.09-1 composed of no less than two and no more than four cultivars of the same species.  Sixty days before seeding, provide a written description for the Class 1, 2, and 3A mixtures showing the percentage by weight (mass) of each kind of seed for the Engineer’s approval.  Mix all seed on the project.  Sixty days before seeding, provide a written description for the Classes 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, and 6 mixtures showing the percentage by weight (mass) of each kind of seed for the Engineer’s approval.

Include the following with the description:

A.     Name and location of the seed supplier.

B.      Origin and date of harvest of each kind of seed.

C.      A statement of the purity and germination of each seed.

D.      Testing date for each seed.

E.      How and when seeds were mixed.

Table 659.09-1

kg/1000 m2

14.64

14.64

9.76

9.76

7.32

9.76

7.32

 

 

6.35

3.9

lb/1000 ft2

3

3

2

2

1.5

2

1.5

 

 

1.3

0.8

Seeds

Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Perennial Ryegrass, turf type (Lolium perenne)

Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

Kentucky 31 Fescue (Festuca arundinacea var. KY 31)

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Use Mixtures 2, 3B, 3C, or 4B

 

Hard Fescue (Festuca longifolia)

Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

Class – Type

Lawn Mixture

(Use for areas in front of residences, commercial properties, etc. between curb and sidewalks)

 

 

Roadside Mixture

 

 

Slope Mixtures

(Use for flatter than or equal to 3:1 slopes)

Low Growing Slope Mixture

(Use for steeper than 3:1 slopes)

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

3A

 

3B

 

 


 

kg/1000 m2

1.12

4.39

8.79

1.46

0.34

0.44

0.097

0.54 (spring)

1.66 (fall)

0.88

0.19

lb/1000 ft2

0.23

0.9

1.8

0.3

0.07

0.09

0.02

0.11 (spring)

0.34 (fall)

0.18

0.04

Seeds

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia)

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Big Blue Stem (Andropogon gernadi)

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Little Blue Stem (Andropogon scoparius)

Side-Oats Gramma (Boutelova curtipendula)

Class – Type

 

Crown Vetch Mixture

(Use for steeper than 3:1 slopes)

 

Native Grass Mixture

(Use for flatter than 2:1 slopes and seeding and mulch for wild life)

 

 

 

Low Growing Native Grass

(Use for flatter than 2:1 slopes seed and mulch for wildlife and roadside mixture)

 

 

3C

 

 

4A

 

 

 

 

4B

 

 


 

kg/1000 m2

0.19

0.54 (spring)

1.66 (fall)

0.34

1.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lb/1000 ft2

0.04

0.11 (spring)

0.34 (fall)

0.07

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Annual Mixture (below)

Perennial Wildflower Mixture (below)

Annuals Mixture - not exceeding 25% by weight of any one species of the following:

Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Yellow Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Rocket Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis)

Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)

Class – Type

 

 

 

Annual and Perennial Wildflower Mixture

(Use flatter than 2:1 slopes and for seeding and mulch for wildlife)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

kg/1000 m2

 

 

 

 

1.66

 

 

 

 

 

 

lb/1000 ft2

 

 

 

 

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds

Perennial Wildflower Mixture - not exceeding 5% by weight PLS of any one species of the following:

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Native Wildflower Mixture - not exceeding 5% by weight PLS of any one species of the following:

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

Partridge Pea (Cassia fasciculata)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

Class – Type

 

 

 

 

Native Wildflower and Grass Mixture

(Use for flatter than 2:1 slopes and for seeding and mulch for wildlife)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

kg/1000 m2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.224

0.337

0.112

4.49

0.63

0.88

0.63

lb/1000 ft2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.046

0.069

0.023

0.92

0.13

0.18

0.13

Seeds

Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Grey-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthin)

Whorled Rosinweed (Silphium trifolium)

Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

Grass Mixture -

Big Blue Stem (Andropogan gerardii)

Little Blue Stem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Big Blue Stem (Andropogon gernadi)

Little Blue Stem (Andropogon scoparius)

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Class – Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife Mixture

(Use flatter than 2:1 slopes and for seeding and mulch for wildlife)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

kg/1000 m2

0.88

0.88

0.88

0.54

0.34

0.34

0.54 (spring)

1.66 (fall)

9.86

lb/1000 ft2

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.11

0.07

0.07

0.11 (spring)

0.34 (fall)

2.02

Seeds

Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Whorled Rosinweed (Silphium trifolium)

Downy Sunflower (Hellanthus mollis)

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Class – Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temporary Erosion Control Mixture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 


659.10  Site Preparation.  Before placing topsoil or seed remove rock or other foreign material of 3 inches (75 mm) or greater in any dimension, from all areas except as listed below.

A.     Remove stones 1-inch (25 mm) or greater in any dimension from all seed areas from in front of residences, commercial properties, etc.; between curb and sidewalks; or as shown on the plans.

B.      Remove nothing in shale cuts, but allow the shale to deteriorate to a soil type surface before seeding or placing topsoil.

Finish the area in such a manner that seeding, place sod, planting, or, placing topsoil can proceed without additional soil preparation.

Apply commercial fertilizer, lime, or other soil amendments including compost to the soil or topsoil surface in separate operations.  Incorporate the commercial fertilizer, granular lime, or other soil amendments, including compost either separately or together, into the soil or topsoil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm). Do not mix Liquid lime into the soil or topsoil.  Only apply liquid lime to the top of the soil or topsoil. Furnish a smooth surface for the seed or topsoil by tracking with a dozer or by other methods.  If the site is inaccessible to a dozer and other methods do not provide results equivalent to hand raking, hand rake these areas.  Ensure that the surface is uniform, free of gullies, rivulets, crusting, and caking.  Finely grade the surface for seed or topsoil for slopes 4:1 or flatter, and grade all other slopes.  Rake or open the surface with a dozer cleats or other wise loosen the surface of these areas to a depth of 1 inch (25 mm) immediately before covering with topsoil.  Remove raked up material from the area.

659.11  Placing Topsoil.  If shown on the plans, place topsoil in loose lifts that construct a 4-inch (100 mm) compacted depth.  The surface of the topsoil shall be such that the final grade as shown on the cross-sections is met.  Use the following methods or combination of any of the methods to produce the required space to place the topsoil.

A.     The 203 Items can be cut or placed to the final grade, which will match the plan quantities for Items 203, and then remove a 4-inch (100 mm) thickness for the topsoil.

B.      The 203 Items can be cut or placed to a 4-inch (100 mm) height below the final grade.  There will be no change from the plan quantities in the 203 Items for this method.

Track the area with a dozer to compact and provide good contact between the topsoil and the surface.

The Contractor may place topsoil by using pneumatic, or hydraulic methods.  If using pneumatic or hydraulic methods to place the topsoil, the Contractor may place the top 1-inch (25 mm) with a mix of seed, commercial fertilizer, lime, and other soils amendments.  This mixture will be 1 part compost and 2 parts topsoil.  Do not apply mulch to this surface.  The compost is the mulch.

659.12  Seeding Methods.  Apply seed to prepared areas.  If the prepared areas to be seeded become compacted before seeding, loosen the surface using disks, rakes, or other methods.

Thoroughly mix all seed, and evenly sow the seed over the prepared areas at the required rates.  Do not sow seed during high winds.  For slopes subject to windy conditions, seed using hydraulic methods only.  Operate equipment in a manner to ensure complete coverage of the entire area to be seeded.

If broadcast seeding, seed Classes 1, 2, 3A, and 3B between August 15 to October 30.  If necessary to seed Classes 1, 2, 3A, or 3B before August 15, but after March 1 increase the seeding rates by 5 percent.

Between March 1 and October 30, the Contractor may use hydro seeding, which applies the mulch, seed, water, and commercial fertilizer in the same operation, for Classes 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 7.

Between October 30 and March 1, apply temporary seed according to Item 207.  With the Engineer’s approval, the Contractor may apply permanent seed between October 30 and March 1 on projects started and completed within the same calendar year.

Seed before or concurrently with all required erosion control items.

Do not apply crown vetch seed from September 1 to October 31.

Wildflower Classes 5 and 6 seed from September 1to October 30, unless the Engineer allows seeding from March 1 to May 31.

Seed Class 4 wildflowers from March 1 to May 31.

Seed native grasses and wildflowers in Classes 4, 5, and 6 with a rangeland type, slit seeder or native seed grass drill.  Seed native grasses with no less than two passes in different directions and by equally splitting the seed application rate to each pass.  Use broadcast seeding, along with cultipacking or rolling, only with the Engineer’s approval.

If broadcast seeding, perform the following, immediately after sowing, to provide good seed-soil contact:

A.     For flat surfaces, lightly rake the area then roll.

B.      For slopes, track the area with a dozer.

659.13  Mulching Operation.  Mulch materials consist of straw, compost, or wood fiber for 3:1 or flatter slopes.  The Contractor may specify which mulch to use, if it is not shown on the plans.  Use mulch that is reasonably free of weed seed, foreign materials, or other materials that would prohibit seed germination.  Do not mulch during high winds.  For slopes subject to windy conditions mulch using hydraulic methods only.  Within 24 hours after seeding an area, evenly place mulch.  Immediately replace mulch that becomes displaced..

659.14  Straw Mulch.  Straw mulch consists of straw.  Evenly place straw mulch over all seeded areas at the following rates:

Seeding Period

Rate

From March 15 to October 30

2 tons per acre (0.5 metric ton/1000 m2)

From October 31 to March 14

3 tons per acre (0.7 metric ton/1000 m2)

 

Keep straw mulching materials in place by applying an asphalt emulsion at a minimum rate of 60 gallons per ton (250 L/metric ton) of straw mulch or by applying tackifiers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.  Apply an additional application at a rate of 30 gallons per ton (125 L/metric ton) of straw mulch to shoulder areas, starting at the berm edge and extending out for a distance of 10 feet (3 m).  Use an emulsion that is nontoxic to plants and prepared in a manner that will not change during transportation or storage.

659.15  Wood Fiber Mulch.  Wood fiber mulch consists of pure wood fibers manufactured expressly from clean wood chips.  Ensure that the chips do not contain lead paint, varnish, printing ink, and petroleum based compounds.  Do not use wood fiber mulch manufactured from recycled materials of unknown origin such as sawdust, paper, cardboard, or residue from chlorine-bleached pulp and paper mills.

Ensure that the wood fiber mulch maintains uniform suspension in water under agitation and blends with grass seed, commercial fertilizer, and other additives to form a homogeneous slurry.  Use manufacturer-approved tackifiers.

Using standard hydraulic mulching equipment, evenly apply the slurry over the soil surface in a one-step operation.  Apply slurry from March 1 to October 30 at the following rates:

Surface

Rate

Slopes 3:1 or flatter

46 pounds per 1000 square feet (225 kg/1000 m2)

 

659.16  Compost Mulch.  The Contractor may provide compost applied to a minimum depth of 1/4-inch (6 mm) over the prepared seed areas.  The Contractor may also mix the grass seed with the compost and using pneumatic equipment, place this mixture to a minimum depth of 1/4-inch (6 mm) over the prepared seed areas.  If using compost no tackifiers or asphalt emulsion are required.

659.17  Watering.  Thoroughly water all permanent seeded areas (Classes 1 to 6) after the seed has germinated.  Apply a total rate of 300 gallons per 1000 square feet (12.2 m3/1000 m2) in at least 2 applications spread over 7 days.  Apply the water using a hydro-seeder or a water tank under pressure with a nozzle that produces a spray that will not dislodge the mulch material.

Perform a secondary water application between 7 and 10 days after the primary applications.  If 1/2-inch (13 mm) or greater of rainfall has occurred within the first 7-day period, the Contractor may delay or omit the secondary application, depending on weather conditions.

659.18  Maintenance.  Maintain all seeded and mulched areas until final inspection.  Repair damaged areas to the original condition and grade.

659.19  Mowing.  The Engineer may require mowing before permanent seeding and during the growing season following permanent seeding.  The Engineer will notify the Contractor of when to begin each mowing.  Use suitable mowing equipment of the rotary, flail, disk, or sickle type.  Do not bunch or windrow mowed vegetation.  Mow to a final cutting height of no less than 6 inches (150 mm).  If necessary to achieve the cutting height, make more than one pass with the mower.

659.20  Repair Seeding and Mulching.  Repair all damage or erosion of the seeded and mulched areas before the completion of the project.

Rework or reshape slopes, and bring in additional material, as necessary, using whatever equipment is necessary to restore slopes to grade.  Seed and mulch repaired areas according to this specification.  As an alternative, the Contractor may apply compost to repair areas as specified in Item 659.

659.21  Inter-Seeding.  Inter-seeding is seeding existing thin and spotty growing turf using a slit or drill type seeder.  Perform inter-seeding only from March 15 to May 15 and from September 1 to October 15.  If necessary to achieve good seed-soil contact, mow before seeding according to Item 659.

For seeding steep slopes or inaccessible areas, the Contractor may use broadcast or hydraulic seeding methods.  Broadcast commercial fertilizer over affected areas as specified in Item 659.  Water affected areas at the rate specified in 659 to aid in seed-soil contact.

659.22  Fertilization:  2nd Application.  Once all repair seeding and mulching, and inter-seeding is complete and no earlier than 3 months after seeding, perform a Soil Analysis Test if shown on the plans to determine the need for a second application of commercial fertilizer.  Do not apply the second application of commercial fertilizer unless the grass has germinated.  Broadcast commercial fertilizer of 12-12-12 evenly over the surface without incorporation at a rate of 10 pounds per 1000 square feet (0.05 kg/m2).

659.23  Performance.  The Department will inspect all seeded areas no earlier than 6 months and no later than 12 months after final seeding.  For any area identified without a uniform density of at least 70 percent grass cover, repair seeding and mulching as specified in 659 or perform inter-seeding as specified in 659, and fertilize as specified in this subsection.

Also repair seeding and mulching or perform inter-seeding, and fertilize seeded areas damaged by traffic or erosion, due to no fault or negligence of the Contractor.

659.24  Method of Measurement.  The Department will measure Soil Analysis Test by the number of tests submitted to the Engineer.

The Department will measure the compacted topsoil by the number of cubic yards (cubic meters). 

The Department will measure Commercial Fertilizer by the number of tons (kilograms) of each quantity of furnished, spread, and incorporated into the soil or topsoil.  This measure will be converted to the standard application rate for the standard mixture ratio. 

The Department will measure lime or liquid lime by the number of acres (ha) furnished, spread, and incorporated into the soil or topsoil.  The measure will be converted to the standard application rate for the standard mixture ratio.

The Department will measure Seeding and Mulching by the number of square yards (square meters).

The Department will measure Repair Seeding and Mulching by the number of square yards (square meters) of damaged or eroded areas reshaped, seeded, and mulched.  If compost is substituted for mulch to repair areas, the Department will include such work under Repair Seeding and Mulching.

The Department will measure Water by the number of 1000 gallon units (cubic meters) applied.  The Department will measure water in tanks, tank wagons, or trucks of predetermined capacity, or by means of meters of a type satisfactory to the Engineer and furnished and installed by the Contractor at expense to the Department, or determined by weight conversion.

The Department will measure Inter-Seeding by the number of square yards (square meters) of the seeded area.

The Department will measure mowing by the number of M square feet (square meters) satisfactorily mowed.

If seeded areas are damaged by traffic or erosion, due to no fault or negligence of the Contractor, the Department will measure for such work and mobilization by Supplemental Agreement.

The Department will not measure for repairs to seeding and mulching if damage or erosion of the areas occurs as a result of fault or negligence of the Contractor.

659.25  Basis of Payment.  The Department will pay plan quantity for the compacted topsoil.  The Department will not adjust the pay quantity for minor discrepancies in the computation of compacted topsoil quantities caused by the plan survey, plotting of cross-sections and calculating the end areas.  The Department will not recalculate volumes where two consecutive cross-section end areas vary by less than 5 percent from the plan quantity.  When the Contractor finds a discrepancy, submit the supporting documentation concerning the possible quantity changes.  The Department will make revisions to the pay quantity for changes for the following:  total contract change is greater than $5000, two consecutive end areas vary by more than 5 percent, or arithmetic errors.

The Department will pay plan quantity for Seeding and Mulching.  The Department will not adjust the pay quantity for minor discrepancies in the computation of Seeding and Mulching quantities caused by the plan survey, plotting of cross-sections and calculating the widths.  The Department will not recalculate widths where two consecutive cross-section widths vary be less than 5 percent from the plan quantity.  When the Contractor finds a discrepancy in the measurement, submit supporting documentation concerning the possible changes.  The Department will make revisions to the pay quantity for changes for the following:  total contract change is greater than $5000, two consecutive widths vary be more than 5 percent, or arithmetic errors.

The Department will pay for accepted quantities at the contract prices as follows (M=1000):

Item           unit                                Description

659             Each                                Soil Analysis Test

659             Cubic Yard                      Topsoil
                       (Cubic Meter)

659             Ton (Kilogram)               Commercial Fertilizer

659             Acres (ha)                       Lime

659             Square Yard                     Seeding and Mulching
                       (Square Meter)

659             Square Yard                     Seeding and Mulching for Wildlife
                       (Square Meter)               

659             Square Yard                     Seeding and Mulching Class ___
                       (Square Meter)               

659             Square Yard                     Repair Seeding and Mulching
                       (Square Meter)               

659             M Gallons                       Water
                       (Cubic Meters)

659             Square Yard                     Inter-Seeding
                       (Square Meter)

659             M Square Feet                Mowing
                       (Square Meter)