 |
     |
H-DAY PLUS...
Irrigating the Investment
Hydroseeded areas will need close
attention to watering in the weeks following installation. The duration and
timing of irrigation will depend on evaporation rates, temperature, wind, soil
percolation and the degree of slope as well as the level of maturity the young
plants have reached.
Installation-to-Germination
Pre-germinated seeds require constant
moisture. A moist soil surface is evidence that the seeds are properly dampened.
This period—while variable with the mix of plants and weather conditions—is
about 3 weeks. Under a high evaporation environment, as during Santa Ana winds,
seed may need as many as 8 applications of water a day to maintain adequate
moisture. Rocky cut soils need greater watering
frequency since rock cut areas hold less water and promote rapid evaporation.
After Germination
The young plants still need moisture
but are now susceptible to "damping off", a fungal disease that rots
the seedling before emergence from the soil. Following the 3 weeks of
pre-germination watering, gradually reduce water for another 3 weeks to avoid
fungal attack but still promote growth. If pre-germinated seeds have been used
in the hydroseeding mix, there will have to be a coinciding adjustment to the
watering cycles. During the next 3 weeks, water deeply
once or twice a week.
After Establishment
When the stand of growth has become
established at about the tenth week, a watering routine for the mature growth
can be implemented. What that schedule will comprise depends on the species that
have been planted and their purpose. Landscape or sports turf will need a more
intense irrigation regimen than will pasture or ground covers. Wildflower mixes
may use even less water. Albright Seed Company consultants can make specific
watering recommendations.
Extra Nutrition
In the third month of growth the young
stand of plants will need nutrients. A soil nutrient analysis will identify what
is needed and how effective any of the previously applied amendments have been.
A balanced organic fertilizer with iron, such as HYDROPOST Hydroseeding Compost, will provide good
growth and control soil pH for at least six months.
- H-DAY TO 3 WEEKS
- Keep soil constantly moist before germination.
- H-DAY + 3 TO 6 WEEKS
- Gradually reduce watering after germination
- H-DAY + 6 TO 9 WEEKS
- Water deeply once or twice a week
- H-DAY + 10 WEEKS AND BEYOND
- As recommended watering for particular species or mix
Seeding | LEAF-let Newsletter | Bioregions | Catalog & Orders | Albright Info