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.
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= 0.75 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 whichever 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.
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= 0.75 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 whichever 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
otherwise 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
The
Contractor may provide other commercial fertilizer
mixture ratios, however, ensure that the ratio meets or exceeds the standard
commercial fertilizer ratio of
For
areas of inter-seeding apply commercial fertilizer
For
commercial fertilizer second application the method, mixture, and rate is
broadcast
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 Grass and Wildflower Seed Mixes
Class |
Mix Type Seeds |
Weight per Area |
||
lb |
|
kg |
||
1000
ft2 |
|
1000
m2 |
||
1 |
Lawn Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) |
3 |
|
14.64 |
|
Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) |
3 |
|
14.64 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
2 |
|
9.76 |
|
Perennial Ryegrass, turf type (Lolium perenne) |
2 |
|
9.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Roadside Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) |
1.5 |
|
7.32 |
|
Kentucky 31 Fescue |
2 |
|
9.76 |
|
Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) |
1.5 |
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
3A |
Slope Mixtures |
|
|
|
|
Use
Class 2, 3B, 3C, or 4B mixtures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3B |
Low Growing Slope Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Hard Fescue (Festuca
longifolia) |
1.3 |
|
6.35 |
|
Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) |
0.8 |
|
3.9 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
0.23 |
|
1.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
3C |
Crown Vetch Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Crown Vetch (Coronilla
varia) |
0.9 |
|
4.39 |
|
Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) |
1.8 |
|
8.79 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
0.3 |
|
1.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
4A |
Native Grass Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Big Bluestem (Andropogon
gerardii) |
0.07 |
|
0.34 |
|
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum
nutans) |
0.09 |
|
0.44 |
|
Switchgrass (Panicum
virgatum) |
0.02 |
|
0.09 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
spring |
0.11 0.34 |
|
0.54 1.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
4B |
Low Growing Native Grass Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) |
0.18 |
|
0.88 |
|
Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) |
0.04 |
|
0.19 |
|
Prairie Dropseed
(Sporobolus heterolepis) |
0.04 |
|
0.19 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
spring |
0.11 0.34 |
|
0.54 1.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
5A |
Annual and Perennial Wildflower
Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Annual Mixture |
0.07 |
|
0.34 |
|
Corn Poppy (Papaver
rhoeas) |
|
|
|
|
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) |
|
|
|
|
Yellow Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) |
|
|
|
|
Cornflower (Centaurea
cyanus) |
|
|
|
|
Rocket Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis) |
|
|
|
|
Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) |
|
|
|
|
Perennial Wildflower Mixture |
0.28 |
|
1.37 |
|
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbekia hirta) |
|
|
|
|
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
|
|
|
|
Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5B |
Native Wildflower and Grass Mixture
|
|
|
|
|
Native Wildflower Mixture |
0.34 |
|
1.66 |
|
Butterfly-weed (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) |
|
|
|
|
Wild Bergamot (Monarda
fistulosa) |
|
|
|
|
Greyhead Coneflower (Ratibida
pinnata) |
|
|
|
|
Orange Coneflower (Rudbekia fulgida) |
|
|
|
|
Prairie Dock (Silphium
terebinthinaceum) |
|
|
|
|
Whorled Rosinweed (Silphium trifoliatum) |
|
|
|
|
Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grass Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Big Bluestem (Andropogon
gerardii) |
0.046 |
|
0.22 |
|
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) |
0.069 |
|
0.34 |
|
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum
nutans) |
0.023 |
|
0.11 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
0.92 |
|
4.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
Wildlife Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Big Bluestem (Andropogon
gerardii) |
0.13 |
|
0.63 |
|
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) |
0.18 |
|
0.88 |
|
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum
nutans) |
0.13 |
|
0.63 |
|
Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) |
0.18 |
|
0.88 |
|
Prairie Dock (Silphium
terebinthinaceum) |
0.18 |
|
0.88 |
|
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) |
0.18 |
|
0.88 |
|
Whorled Rosinweed (Silphium trifoliatum) |
0.11 |
|
0.54 |
|
Downy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis) |
0.07 |
|
0.34 |
|
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) |
0.07 |
|
0.34 |
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) spring
fall |
0.11 0.34 |
|
0.54 1.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
Temporary Erosion Control Mixture |
|
|
|
|
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
2.02 |
|
9.86 |
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 otherwise 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
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 M gallons or 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.
The
Department will pay the plan quantity for compacted topsoil. The Department
will not adjust topsoil quantities when the volume between two consecutive
cross-sections differs by less than 5 percent from the plan quantity, unless
the difference between the actual quantity and plan quantity is greater than
1000 cubic yards (1000 m³). For quantity differences greater than 5 percent or
greater than 1000 cubic yards (1000 m³), submit supporting documentation to the
Engineer.
The
Department will pay the plan quantity for Seeding and Mulching. The Department
will not adjust Seeding and Mulching quantities when the area between two
consecutive cross-sections differs by less than 5 percent from the plan
quantity, unless the difference between the actual quantity and plan quantity
is greater than 20,000 square yards (20,000 m²) for all Seeding and Mulching
pay items, combined. For quantity differences greater than 5 percent or greater
than 20,000 square yards (20,000 m²), submit supporting documentation to the
Engineer.
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)