SEEDING

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.01 SECTION INCLUDES

A. Certification of Products

B. Acceptance and Warranty

C. Seed Types and Mixes

D. Equipment

E. Application of Seed

1.02 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A. This specification includes materials, equipment, and labor requirements for the complete and satisfactory installation and maintenance for all seeding.

B. The requirements for the work on this project are familiarity with the site, scope of work of the project, and coordination of the seeding with related work.

C. Seeding includes the operations of seedbed preparation, furnishing, applying, and covering the seed, and compaction of the seedbed.

1.03   PROTECTION OF PROPERTY

A. Take precautions to ensure that equipment, vehicles, and seeding operations do not disturb or damage existing grades, walls, drives, pavement, utilities, plants, lawns, irrigation systems, or other facilities.

B. Verify locations and depths of all underground utilities prior to excavation and report conflicts with new seeding operations.

C. Have repaired and/or pruned by an experienced tree surgeon or arborist, any damage to existing trees or shrubs, including branches and root systems.

D. Repair, replace, and/or return to original condition, any damaged item, at the Contractor’s expense.

E. Meet National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II requirements for stormwater discharges associated with construction and post-construction activities.

1.04 SUBMITTALS

A. Submit certification of products to the Jurisdictional Engineer prior to seed placement:

1. Seed: Submit a mechanically printed seed tag from an Iowa Crop Improvement Association-approved seed conditioner or grower. Submit a laboratory analysis for all seeds, specifying the purity and germination. Provide 48 hours notice prior to mixing the seed and give the Jurisdictional Engineer an opportunity to witness the seed mixing.

2. Fertilizer: Submit certification of the fertilizer analysis with scale weight and statement of guaranteed analysis. Submit from a certified fertilizer dealer, a mechanically printed commercial fertilizer label or bill of lading.  All fertilizer will meet the inspection and acceptance requirements of Iowa DOT I.M. 469.03.

3. Wood Cellulose Fiber Mulch: Submit certification of the degradable wood cellulose fiber mulch ingredients with applicable use and rate, and the water retention capacity by manufacturer or supplier.

4. Wood Excelsior Mulch: Bale wood excelsior and determine the mass (weight). Use the mass of the material, furnished by the manufacturer, to determine the rate of application.

5. Straw Mulch: Certify weight. Furnish a list of the number of bales and a corresponding ticket from an approved scale for the mulch material to be used on the project.

6. Compost: Submit certification of composted organics analysis with U.S. Compost Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA), recommended rates of application, and manufacturer’s estimated cubic yards per ton.

7. Inoculant: Furnish information from inoculant packaging.

8. Tackifier: Submit certification of the tackifier ingredients, recommended rates of application, and expiration date.

B. When requested, submit written instructions recommending procedures for maintenance of seeded areas.

C. Upon the request of the Jurisdictional Engineer, submit other material certifications.

1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Deliver packaged materials in original, unopened, and undamaged containers. Do not mix or blend materials except in the presence of the Jurisdictional Engineer.

B. Deliver, handle, and store all materials according to product recommendations, and protect from loss, damage, and deterioration.

C. Materials not meeting these requirements will be rejected.

1.06 SCHEDULING

A. Coordinate the seeding schedule with all other work on the project. Notify the Jurisdictional Engineer at least three days prior to the start of seeding operations.

B. Perform seeding operations after all land-disturbing activities are completed, and after the seedbed has been approved by the Jurisdictional Engineer.

1.07 ACCEPTANCE AND WARRANTY

A. Acceptance:

1. Guarantee in writing that all work has been completed as specified and provide the date that all activities were completed. When a warranty is a separately-bid item, this also establishes the beginning of the warranty period.

2. Acceptance will occur, provided seeded areas are in a live, healthy, growing, and well-established condition without eroded areas, bare spots, weeds, undesirable grasses, disease, or insects.

a. Projects without a separately-bid warranty will be accepted no sooner than 60 days from the date that all activities were completed.

b. When a warranty is established as a bid item and the warranty period excludes 60 days, projects may be accepted after all specified work, excluding the warranty, is satisfactorily completed, and a supplemental contract for the warranty is executed according to the Code of Iowa Section 573.27.

B. Warranty:

1. Required only when established as a bid item by the Jurisdictional Engineer.

2. The warranty is to guarantee completed seeding areas for a maximum period of twelve months.

3. During the warranty period, correct and reseed as originally specified, any defects in the seeded areas and grass stand, such as weedy areas, eroded areas, and bare spots, until all affected areas are accepted by the Jurisdictional Engineer.

4. Replace or repair to original condition, all damages to property resulting from the seeding operation or from the remedying of defects, at the Contractor’s expense.

5. Replacement costs are the Contractor’s responsibility, except for those resulting from loss or damage due to occupancy of the project in any part, vandalism, civil disobedience, acts of neglect on the part of others, physical damage by animals, vehicles, fire, or losses due to curtailment of water by local authority, or by "Acts of God.” 

1.08 MEASUREMENT FOR PAYMENT

All measurements for payment will be made by the Jurisdictional Engineer or authorized representative.

A. Conventional Seeding:

1. Seeding:

a. Seeding for a completed installation will be measured in squares, each square containing 100 square feet, or by acres, as specified, of accepted seeding within the contract or easement limits. Areas outside of construction limits or easement limits will not be measured for payment.

b. Payment for seeding will be full compensation for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary to complete the work. It includes removal of rock and other debris from the area, repairing rills and washes, preparing the seedbed, furnishing and placing seed, including any treatment required, and furnishing water and other care during the care period, unless these items are bid separately.

c. Each type of seeding specified will be measured and paid for separately.

2. Fertilizing: For fertilizer furnished and placed, payment will be made at the contract unit price per acre or square as specified. Payment for fertilizing will be full compensation for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary to complete the work. It includes spreading fertilizer and mixing it into the soil if specified.

3. Mulching: For mulch furnished and placed, payment will be made at the contract unit price per acre or square as specified. Payment for mulching will be full compensation for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary to complete the work. It includes placing and tucking the mulch.

B. Seeding, Fertilizing, and Mulching for Hydraulic Seeding:

1. Seeding for a completed installation will be measured in squares, each square containing 100 square feet, or by acres, as specified, of accepted seeding within the contract or easement limits. Areas outside of construction limits or easement limits will not be measured for payment.

2. Payment for seeding will be full compensation for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary to complete the work. It includes removal of rock and other debris from the area, repairing rills and washes, preparing the seedbed, furnishing and placing seed, including any treatment required, furnishing and placing fertilizer and mulch, and furnishing water and other care during the care period, unless these items are bid separately.

3. Each type of seeding specified will be measured and paid for separately.

C. Seeding, Fertilizing, and Mulching for Pneumatic Seeding:

1. Seeding for a completed installation will be measured in squares, each square containing 100 square feet, or by acres, as specified, of accepted seeding within the contract or easement limits.  Areas outside of construction limits or easement limits will not be measured for payment.

2. Payment for seeding will be full compensation for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary to complete the work. It includes removal of rock and other debris from the area, repairing rills and washes, preparing the seedbed, furnishing and placing seed, including any treatment required, furnishing and placing fertilizer and mulch, and furnishing water and other care during the care period, unless these items are bid separately.

3. Each type of seeding specified will be measured and paid for separately.

D. Watering: When bid separately, watering will be measured by metering. If not available, measurement can be done by counting the loads from a transporting tank of known volume. Payment will be at the contract unit price per 1,000 gallons.

E. Warranty: Warranty for seeding will be based on lump sum. Lump sum items will not be measured.

F. Incidental Items: Items not listed as specific bid items or negotiated items will not be measured.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.01 SEED

This section includes both temporary and permanent seeding.

A. Provide fresh, clean, new crop, certified seed complying with tolerance for germination and purity and free of poa annua, bent grass, and noxious weed seed. Furnish all seeds, including grass, legume, forbs, and cereal crop seeds, from an established seed dealer or certified seed grower. All materials and suppliers are to follow Iowa Seed Law and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship regulations, and be labeled accordingly.

1. Turfgrass will have a certified “blue tag.”

2. Native grass and forbs that are source-identified as G-0 Iowa certified yellow tag, when available.

B. Mix seed to the specified proportions by weight by methods approved by the Jurisdictional Engineer.

C. Seed Quality: Ensure the seed provided meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of purity and germination stated on an analysis document that specifies quality. Approval of all seed for use will be based on the accumulated total of Pure Live Seed (PLS) for each phase of work. PLS is obtained by multiplying purity times germination. PLS shall not be less than the accumulated total of the PLS specified. If the purity and/or germination of native grasses exceeds the minimum required, adjust the application rate based on PLS.

If the seed does not comply with minimum requirements for purity and germination and such seed cannot be obtained, the Jurisdictional Engineer may approve use of the seed on a basis of PLS or may authorize a suitable substitution for the seed specified.

D. Requirements on Containers:

1. Seed: Provide seed with a tag on each container. The seed analysis on the label shall be mechanically printed.

2. Mulch: When packaged, provide mulch in new labeled containers.

3. Tackifier: Provide tackifier packaged in new labeled containers.

4. Inoculant: Use inoculant that has a manufacturer’s container, indicating the specific legume seed to be inoculated and the expiration date. All inoculant must meet requirements of the Iowa Seed Law. Follow precautions specified on the product label.

5. Sticking Agent: Use a commercial sticking agent recommended by the manufacturer of the inoculant. For quantities less than 50 pounds, the sticking agent need not be a commercial agent, but requires approval by the Jurisdictional Engineer. Apply sticking agent separately prior to application of inoculant. Follow safety precautions specified on the product label.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Purity (%)	Germination (%)
DOMESTIC GRASSES:
Bluegrass, Kentucky	Poa pratensis	98	85
Brome, smooth	Bromus inermis	90	85
Fescue, tall-Fawn	Festuca arundinacea-Fawn	98	85
Fescue, chewings, red, hard	Festuca rubra var. cummutata	98	85
Fescue, creeping, red, hard	Festuca rubra	98	85
Fescue, red-Pennlawn	Festuca rubra-Pennlawn	98	85
Fescue, Sheeps	Festuca ovina	98	85
Orchardgrass	Dactylis glomerata	90	90
Red Top	Agrostis alba	92	85
Wildrye, Russian	Elymus junceus	95	85
Ryegrass, Perennial	Lolium perenne	95	90
Timothy	Phleum pretense	99	90
LEGUMES:
Alfalfa, Ranger/Vernal	Medicago sativa	99	90*
Alfalfa, Travois	Medicoa spp.	99	90*
Birdsfoot Trefoil Empire	Lotus coniculatus	98	85*
Crownvetch, Emerald	Coronilla varia	98	70*
Hairy Vetch	Vicia villosa	96	85*
Lespedeza, Korean	Lespedeza stipulacea	98	80*
Red Clover, medium	Trifolium pretense	99	90*
White Clover	Trifolium repens	98	90*
*Includes hard seed.
NURSE CROP OR STABILIZING CROP:
Oats	Avena sativa	97	90
Rye	Secale cereale	97	90

Common Name	Scientific Name	Min. PLS (%)
IOWA NATIVE GRASSES:
Big Bluestem	Andropogon gerardii	30
Little Bluestem	Andropogon scoparius	30
Switchgrass	Panicum virgatum	63
Indiangrass	Sorghastrum nutans	60
Sideoats Grama	Bouteloua curtipendula	30
Prairie Dropseed	Sporobolus heterolepis	65
Sand Lovegrass	Eragrostis trichodes	65
Weeping Lovegrass	Eragrostis curvula	65
Hairy Wood Chess	Bromus purgans	60
Blue-Joint Grass	Calamagrostis canadensis	47
Bottlebrush Sedge	Carex comosa	62
Tussock Sedge	Carex stricta	78
Fox Sedge	Carex vulpinoidea	64
Virginia Wildrye	Elymus virginicus	60
Reed Manna Grass	Glyceria grandis	50
Fowl Manna Grass	Glyceria striata	72
Common Rush	Juncus effuses	80
Rice Cut Grass	Leesia oryzoides	62
Fowl Bluegrass	Poa palustris	72
Green Bulrush	Scirpus atrovirens	45
Wool Grass	Scirpus cyperinus	78
Soft-Stem Bulrush	Scirpus vallidus	78
Spike Rush	Eleocharis palustris	71
Wildrye, Canada	Elymus canadensis	80

If the purity and/or germination of native grasses exceed the minimum required, the application rate may be adjusted based on PLS.

Common Name	Scientific Name	PLS (%)
FORBS:
Canada Anemone	Anemone canadensis	72
Marsh Milkweed	Asclepias incarnate	25
New England Aster	Aster novae-angliae	25
Swamp Aster	Aster puniceus	25
Showy Tick-Trefoil	Desmodium canadense	25
Joe-Pye Weed	Eupatorium maculatum	66
Boneset	Eupatorium perfoliatum	41
Ox Eye Sunflower	Heliopsis helianthoides	38
Blue-Flag Iris	Iris virginica-shrevii	19
Tall Blazingstar	Liatris pycnostachya	24
Great Blue Lobelia	Lobelia siphilitica	13

2.02 SEED MIXTURES AND SEEDING DATES

See the contract documents for the specified seed mixture. If none is specified, use the following. The Contractor may submit a modification of the mixture for the Jurisdictional Engineer’s consideration.

A. Type 1 (Permanent Lawn Mixture): Used for residential and commercial turf site, fertilized, typically mowed.

Seeding Dates: March 1 – May 31, August 10 – September 30
Common Name	Application Rate lb/acre
Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivar1	65
Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivar1	65
Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivar1	65
Creeping Red Fescue	25
Fine-Leafed Perennial Ryegrass2	20
Fine-Leafed Perennial Ryegrass2	20
Annual Ryegrass	40
1 Choose three different cultivars of Kentucky Bluegrass, at 65 pounds/acre each.
2 Choose two different cultivars of Fine-Leafed Perennial Ryegrass, at 20 pounds/acre each.

B. Type 2 (Permanent Cool-Season Mixture for Slopes and Ditches): Not typically mowed. Reaches maximum heights of 2-3 feet, low fertility requirements, grows in spring and fall, can go dormant in summer.

Seeding Dates: March 1 – May 31, August 10 – September 30
Common Name	Application Rate lb/acre
Fescue or Fawn Fescue	65
Ryegrass (perennial)	45
Birdsfoot Trefoil (Empire)	5
Annual Ryegrass	40

C. Type 3 (Permanent Warm-Season Slope and Ditch Mixture): Not typically mowed. Reaches heights of 5-6 feet, stays green throughout summer, responds well to being burned in spring, no fertilizer.

Seeding Dates: March 1 – June 30
Common Name	Application Rate lb/acre
Little Bluestem	3 PLS
Indiangrass	4 PLS
Sideoats Grama	5 PLS
Switchgrass	1 PLS
Big Bluestem	3 PLS
Oats	16
Annual Ryegrass	40

D. Type 4 (Urban Temporary Erosion Control Mixture): Short-lived (6-8 months) mix for erosion control.

Common Name	Application Rate lb/acre
SPRING – March 1 - May 20
Oats*	65
Annual Ryegrass	40
SUMMER – May 21- August 14
Oats*	95
Annual Ryegrass	50
FALL – August 15-September 30
Oats*	65
Annual Ryegrass	40
*Jurisdictional Engineer may delete for previously established urban areas.

E. Type 5 (Rural Temporary Erosion Control Mixture): Short-lived mix for erosion control.

Common Name	Application Rate lb/acre
SPRING – March 1 - May 20
Oats	65
Grain Rye	25
Red Clover	5
Timothy	5
SUMMER – May 21- August 14
Oats	95
Grain Rye	35
Red Clover	5
Timothy	5
FALL – August 15-September 30
Oats	65
Grain Rye	25
Red Clover	5
Timothy	5

F. Wetland Seeding: Use the following seed mixture for areas designated for wetland grass seeding.

Seeding Dates:  April 1 – June 30, August 1 – August 31
Common Name	Scientific Name	oz per acre	lbs/acre
WETLAND FORBS:
Water Plantain	Alisma subcordatum	16	1.00
Swamp Milkweed	Asclepias incarnate	8	0.50
New England Aster	Aster novae-angliae	8	0.50
Nodding Bur Marigold	Bidens cernua	5	0.31
Boneset	Eupatorium perfoliatum	4	0.25
Sneezeweed	Helenium autumnale	7	0.44
Arrowhead	Sagittaria graminea	8	0.50
Blue Vervain	Verbena hastate	5	0.31
	TOTAL	61.00	3.81
WETLAND GRASSES, RUSHES, AND SEDGES:
Big Bluestem	Andropogon gerardi	32	2.00
Barnyard Grass*	Echinochloa muricata	16	1.00
Blue-Joint Grass	Calamagrostis Canadensis	16	1.00
Fox Sedge	Carex vulpinoidea	8	0.5
Spike Rush	Eleocharis palustris	8	0.5
Rice Cut Grass	Leersia oryzoides	16	1.00
Switchgrass	Panicum virgatum	8	0.50
Dark Green Bulrush	Scirpus atrovirens	8	0.50
Softstem Bulrush	Scirpus validus	11	0.69
	TOTAL	123.00	7.69
*Do not use in urban areas

G. Native Grass and Wildflower Seeding:  Use the following seed mixture for areas designated for native grass and wildflower seeding.

Seeding Dates:  April 1 – June 30
Common Name	Scientific Name	lbs/acre
NATIVE GRASSES:
Oats	Avena sativa	32
Canada Wildrye	Elymus Canadensis	6
Switchgrass	Panicum virgatum	1
Big Bluestem	Andropogon gerardi	4
Indiangrass	Sorghastrum nutans	4
Little Bluestem	Andropogon scoparius	2
Sideoats Grama	Bouteloua curtipendula	1.5
FORBS:
Purple Prairieclover	Petalostemum purpureum	0.25 (4 oz)
Blackeyed Susan	Rudbecka hirta	0.25 (4 oz)
Prairie Blazing Star	Liatris pycnostachya	0.25 (4 oz)
Pale Purple Coneflower	Echinacea pallida	0.25 (4 oz)
Grayhead Prairie	Ratibida pinnata	0.25 (4 oz)
New England Aster	Aster novac-angliae	0.125 (2 oz)

2.03 FERTILIZER

Use fertilizer of the grade, type, and form specified, that complies with rules of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the following requirements:

A. Grade:  Identify the grade of fertilizer according to the percent nitrogen (N), percent of available phosphoric acid (P₂O₅), and percent water soluble potassium (K₂O), in that order, and base approval on that identification.

The Contractor may substitute other fertilizer containing analysis percentages different from those specified, provided that the minimum amounts of actual nitrogen, phosphate, and potash per acre are supplied, and that in no case does the total amount per acre of the three fertilizer elements be exceeded by 30% of the following minimum amounts:

1. For Conventional Seeding, Permanent: Apply a 13-13-13 chemically-combined commercial fertilizer or the equivalent units of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash at the rate of 450 pounds per acre.

2. For Conventional Seeding, Temporary: Apply chemically combined, commercial fertilizer to all seeded areas at the rate of 450 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 (or equivalent) unless otherwise specified in the contract documents.

3. For Hydraulic Seeding: Apply fertilizer in combination with seeding by a hydraulic seeder and as specified in Iowa DOT 2601.04, H. Apply a 13-13-13 chemically-combined commercial fertilizer or the equivalent units of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash at the rate of 450 pounds per acre.

4. For Pneumatic Seeding: Based on the compost nutrient analysis, supply any additional chemically-combined commercial fertilizer necessary to meet the 13-13-13 units of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash at the rate of 450 pounds per acre as the compost is applied.

B. Type: Use fertilizer that can be uniformly distributed by the application equipment. When applying hydraulically, furnish Furnish fertilizer either as separate ingredients or in chemically combined form. When applying by other means, use chemically combined fertilizer each pellet has the same chemical composition; and the manufacturer's guarantee must indicate compliance with this requirement.

2.04 STICKING AGENT

A. Use a sticking agent that is a commercial material recommended by the manufacturer to improve adhesion of inoculant to the seed. For small quantities less than 50 pounds, the sticking agent need not be a commercial agent, but it must be approved by the Jurisdictional Engineer and must be applied separately, prior to application of inoculant.

B. Follow safety precautions specified on the product label. A sticking agent is not required if a liquid formulation of inoculant is used.

2.05 INOCULANT FOR LEGUMES

An inoculant is a culture of bacteria specifically formulated for each legume seed (alfalfa, clovers, lespedesa, birdsfoot trefoil, hairy vetch, and crown vetch).

2.06 WATER

Use water that is free of any substance harmful to seed germination or plant growth.

2.07 MULCH

A. For Conventional Seeding:

1. Material used as mulch may consist of the following:

a. Dry cereal straw (oats, wheat, barley, or rye)

b. Prairie hay

c. Wood excelsior composed of wood fibers, at least 8 inches long, based on an average of 100 fibers, and approximately 0.024 inch thick and 0.031 inch wide. The fibers must be cut from green wood and be reasonably free of seeds or other viable plant material.

2. Do not use other hay (bromegrass, timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, or clover).

3. All material used as mulch must be free from all noxious weed, seed-bearing stalks, or roots and will be inspected and approved by the Jurisdictional Engineer prior to its use.

4. The Contractor may use other materials, subject to the approval of the Jurisdictional Engineer.

B. For Hydraulic Seeding:

1. Wood Cellulose:

a. Use material that is a natural or cooked cellulose fiber processed from whole wood chips, or a combination of up to 50% recycled paper (by volume).

b. Product contains a colloidal polysaccharide tackifier adhered to the fiber to prevent separation during shipment and avoid chemical co-agglomeration during mixing.

c. Form a homogeneous slurry of material, tackifier, and water.

d. Use a slurry that can be applied with standard hydraulic mulching equipment.

e. Dye the slurry green to facilitate visual metering during application.

f. Do not use materials that have growth or germination-inhibiting factors or any toxic effect on plant or animal life when combined with seed or fertilizer.

2. Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM):

a. Produced from long-strand wood fibers, held together by organic tackifiers and bonding agents that, when dry, become insoluble and non-dispersible.

b. Upon curing 24-48 hours, form a continuous, 100% coverage, flexible, absorbent, erosion-resistant blanket that encourages seed germination.

c. Manufactured to be applied hydraulically.

d. Physical Properties:

1) Fibers:  Virgin wood, greater than 88% of total volume.

2) Organic Material: Greater than 96% of total volume.

3) Tackifier:  8-10%.

4) pH:  4.8 minimum.

5) Moisture Content:  12% +/- 3%.

6) Water-Holding Capacity:  1.2 gal/lb.

3. Mechanically-Bonded Fiber Matrix (MBFM):

a. Produced from long-strand wood fibers and crimped, interlocking synthetic fibers.

b. Within two hours of application, form a continuous, 100% coverage, flexible, absorbent, porous, erosion-resistant blanket that encourages seed germination.

c. Manufactured to be applied hydraulically.

d. Physical properties:

1) Wood Fibers:  73% minimum.

2) Tackifier:  10% +/- 1%.

3) Crimped, Interlocking Synthetic Fibers:  5% +/- 1%.

4) Moisture Content:  12% +/- 3%.

C. For Pneumatic Seeding: Use compost meeting the following requirements:

1. Derived from a well-decomposed source of organic matter.

2. Produced using an aerobic composting process, meeting Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 503 for time, temperature, and heavy metal concentrations.

3. No visible admixture of refuse or other physical contaminants, nor any material toxic to plant growth.

4. Certified by the U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) program.

5. Conforms to chemical, physical, and biological parameters of AASHTO MP 10‑03, with the following additional requirements:

a. Follow U.S. Composting Council’s TMECC guidelines for all testing.

b. Organic Matter Content: 30% minimum.

c. pH:  between 6.0 and 8.0.

d. Maturity (growth screening): Minimum 90% emergence for all compost to be vegetated.

e. Particle Size:

Sieve Size	Percent Passing*
2”	100
1”	90-100
3/4”	65-100
3/8”	0-75
*6 inch maximum particle length.

2.08 EQUIPMENT

A. Aerial Equipment: When aerial application of seed and fertilizer is specified, use aerial equipment capable of providing a uniform distribution of seed and fertilizer on the specified area.

B. Compost Blower: A compost blower is pneumatic equipment to blow compost over the desired area. It may be equipped with a supplemental seed injection system.

C. Cultipacker: Use a pull-type cultipacker with individual rollers or wheels. Cultipackers with sprocket-type spacers between the wheels may be used. The cultipacker must produce a corrugated surface on the area being compacted. Operate the cultipacker separately from all other operations, and do not attach the cultipacker to the seeder or disk, unless combined cultipacker seeder is manufactured to operate as a unit. Make provisions for addition of weight.

D. Disk: When preparing a seedbed on ground having heavy vegetation, use a disk with cutaway blades. Make provisions for the addition of weight to obtain proper cutting depth.

E. Endgate Cyclone Seeders: Endgate cyclone seeders must be suitably mounted. Movement must be provided by mechanical means. The seed drops through an adjustable flow regulator onto a rotating, power driven, horizontal disk or fan.

F. Expanded Mesh Roller: Use equipment that is an open grid type or a cultipacker type, modified by covering with expanded metal mesh.

G. Field Tiller: Use equipment designed for the preparation of the seedbed to the degree specified.

H. Gravity Seeders: Gravity seeders must provide agitation of the seed, have an adjustable gate opening, and uniformly distribute seed on the prepared seedbed. Use a seed hopper equipped with baffle plates spaced not more than 2 feet apart. The baffle plates must extend from the agitator shaft to within approximately 2 inches of the top of the seed hopper. Wind guards are required to facilitate seeding when moderate wind conditions exist and when ordered by the Jurisdictional Engineer. Place wind guards in front or in back (or both) of the seed outlet and extend them to near the ground line. This seeder may be used for application of fertilizer.

I. Hand Cyclone Seeders: Hand cyclone seeders are carried by the person dispensing seed. The seed drops through an adjustable flow regulator onto a rotating, hand driven, horizontal disk or fan.

J. Hydraulic Seeder: Use hydraulic seeding equipment with a pump rated at not less than 100 gallons per minute. Inoculant, seed, and fertilizer may be applied in a single operation. The equipment must have a suitable working pressure and a nozzle adapted to the type of work. Supply tanks must have a means of agitation.  Calibrate tanks and provide them with a calibration stick or other approved device to indicate the volume used or remaining in the tank.

K. Interseeder/Slit Seeder: An interseeder/slit seeder is an implement that cuts a slit into the soil and drops the seed into the slit.

L. Mowers: Use mowers that are rotary, flail, disk, or sickle type. Do not use mowers that bunch or windrow the mowed material.

M. Mulch Stabilizer: Use a mulch stabilizer designed to anchor straw or hay mulch into soil by means of dull blades or disks. It should have flat blades or disks, may have cutaway edges, must have a nominal minimum diameter of 20 inches, and must be spaced at approximately 8-inch intervals. The mulch stabilizer must be pulled by mechanical means and weigh approximately 1,000 pounds. When directed by the Jurisdictional Engineer, increase the weight by addition of ballast.

N. Native Grass Seed Drill: Use a native grass seed drill designed to provide uniform distribution of native grass and wildflower seeds. Provide separate seed boxes to apply both small seeds as well as fluffy bearded seeds. If a no-till attachment is specified, use an attachment of the same manufacturer as the drill.

O. Pulverizer: A pulverizer is equipment designed to break up compacted soil to prepare a seedbed.

P. Rotary Tiller: Use equipment with rotary-type blades designed for the preparation of seedbed to the degree specified.

Q. Slope Harrow: Use a slope harrow, consisting of a rolling weight attached by heavy chain to a tractor. The chain must be of suitable length, with picks attached, and a means of rotating the picks as the rolling weight is pulled in a direction parallel to the movement of the tractor.

R. Spike Tooth Harrow: Use equipment designed to provide adjustment of the spike teeth to level the ground, or to be used as specified by the Jurisdictional Engineer.

S. Straw Mulching Machine: Use a machine to uniformly apply mulch material over the desired area without excessive pulverization. The Jurisdictional Engineer may consider excessive pulverization as the general absence of straw longer than 6 inches after distribution.