Section 216. Seeding, Fertilizer, Sodding

Transcription

1 Section 216 Seeding, Fertilizer, Sodding PRECONSTRUCTION In preparation for dry seeding verify that all openers on seed drills are in good working condition and that the row spacing does not exceed specifications. Drill equipped with calibration settings and depth penetration adjustment. Ensure broadcast seeders have a calibration gate and spreader. When preparing for hydraulic seeding operations (seeding, mulching, mulch tacking and so forth) verify the working condition of the mixing tank. The circulating pump or paddles, when engaged, should provide a homogenous mix of water and material. The pump will have sufficient power and hydraulic capacity to pressurize the output lines. Spray nozzles and hoses will be of size and configuration that will be sufficient for providing uniform distribution of the slurry material. EQUIPMENT The following equipment will be required for inspection purposes: 1. Survey or other equipment necessary to establish areas or length of placement for payment measurements. 2. Documentation Resource. INSPECTION Be aware of all of the following general requirements: 1. Do not drill seed or hydraulic seed on frozen ground or in freezing conditions. Seed during optimum times specified in the contract. 2. Verify that the spreading of topsoil has not produced a compacted lift, provide scarifying or disking +/- 6" deep, as evidenced by furrows in preparing a seed bed. 3. Verify that slopes damaged by any erosion or equipment have been repaired prior to seeding operations. 4. Verify that the contractor is coordinating other work that may impact seeding operations including, but not limited to, fencing, guardrails, signing and so forth. 5. Sequence of operations, except in cases of some hydraulic work, are to fertilize, seed and then mulch. Some fertilizers may require special handling or application as specified. 6. After seeding, verify that rocks in the clear zone in excess of 3 inches in diameter are removed and the newly seeded area is protected from construction traffic or other situations which would harm the site. Whenever damage occurs after the initial disking or scarifying, it will be repaired by the contractor at no additional Page 1 of 6

2 cost to the department. SEED In compliance with Wyoming state law, any seed or sod sold or incorporated within the state shall be obtained from a dealer licensed by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA). The name of the seed/sod supplier shall be on the contractor s list of suppliers submitted at the preconstruction conference and verified as a licensed dealer through the Department of Agriculture (WDA). Seeding operations shall not begin until a seed analysis reports is received. The seed analysis reports should verify the following: 1. The seed meets specifications. 2. The report shall cover only the lot number listed. 3. Any other lots brought on the project for incorporation shall be accompanied by its own separate report. In the event that the seed has not been tested, the contractor shall contact the Wyoming Department of Agriculture for sampling and testing. Periodically, representatives of the Section of Plant Industry - Wyoming Department of Agriculture will sample or contact to test seed on department projects. The test results are a quality check on the seed and will govern the Seed Analysis Report. Based on the WDA test results the following action will be taken: 1. If the results disagree with department specifications but are within State law acceptable parameters, the department will make a determination concerning the acceptability of the seed. 2. If the results are outside of the test limits set forth by state law, then the contractor shall work in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture - Division of Consumer and Compliance, to determine a course of action. If doubt arises, the seed may be tested by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA). If there is trouble contacting the local seed inspector contact the department s Agronomist located in the Environmental Service program for assistance in contacting a WDA representative or call (307) Inform the seed testing personnel that the request is a rush request. Seed should always be tested for noxious weeds and may be analyzed for purity and germination. Testing by Tetrazolium (TZ) procedure should be requested if less than 2 weeks is available for germination testing. Seeding operations should not be delayed for purity testing, however, should purity results differ substantially from the seed analysis report for seed already placed in the ground, a price adjustment may be in order. When testing is required, billing information will need to be given for an interagency Page 2 of 6

3 transfer of funds. Sign, date and indicate project charges on the Department of Agriculture s (WDA) seed inspector s form. Including a copy in the project s seeding files. The amount of PLS (Pure Live Seed) is determined by the percent of germination (percent total viable) multiplied by the percent of purity: %PLS = _% viable seed X %purity 100 Note: %viable seed = %germinated seed + %hard seed + %dormant seed OR %viable seed = %TZ seed + %hard seed + %dormant seed (Where TZ is the Tetrazolium viability dye test results; reference Section of the Standard Specifications) For calculating purposes use percentage of pure live seed in a decimal format. The amount of bulk seed required to meet the planned rate per acre is determined as follows: Amount of seed/acre = Plan rate per acre/%pls Record these calculations in the project records. DRILL & DRY BROADCAST SEEDING Drill seeding (placed seed) is preferred to surface seeding due to arid climates within the state. When drilling verify the disk openers are functional and seed feed mechanisms free of obstructions. Dry broadcasters should have a spinner device to maintain even distribution. Review climate constraints in specifications and verify a firm, not compacted, seed bed has been prepared. Check that the seed is placed into seed bed at specified depth. Dry broadcasting will require a separate dragging or harrowing operation to protect seed from blowing away. Ensure broadcast seed rate increased times the drill rate specified.] HYDRAULIC SEEDING AND MULCHING: When hydraulic seeding, (seed + mulch + tackifier), or hydraulic mulching, (mulch + tackifier), is required or anticipated, generally on slopes >1:3, or on rocky or urban areas, Page 3 of 6

4 inspect the contractor s agitation and application equipment ascertaining that the components are intact and that hoses, fittings and nozzles are in good condition as specified or approved by the engineer. Review the specifications for any climatologic constraints on the work and verify the specified preparation of the ground. SODDING: Note when the sod is received on a project and how much time passes before the sod is placed. Do not lay sod which has been allowed to sit on the project in excess of the time specified in the contract. Verify a rolled and firm topsoil, not compacted soil, prior to contractor placement of the sod rolls. Ensure that the necessary preparations have been made to actively irrigate and keep wet newly placed sod as specified. DRY MULCHING: Verify that the necessary paperwork and noxious weed-free certification in accordance with of the standard specifications for dry mulch has been received. Establish efficiency of crimping equipment to ensure that the percentage of stems is punched in the vertical position as specified. Dry mulch should be distributed at a rate of cover so that there is not excess mulch that will blow and prove to be a nuisance. The mulch is crimped into place with disks designed for that purpose. These specialized disks do not include the sharp edged cutting disks. EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS & NETS: When using erosion control blankets, coconut fiber ditch lining, erosion control netting or coir erosion mats inspect with the following in mind: 1. Ensure that sequencing of fertilizing, seeding and mulching /blanketing take place as specified. 2. Be sure that time frames between various applications do not exceed those established by specification. 3. Where-ever water flow or runoff is encountered verify that anchoring trenches are installed as specified. 4. Be aware of material overlapping requirements and windward or water flow shingling requirements. 5. Know what type of staples, connectors or anchors are to be used. MULCH TACK: Mulch Tackifer is commonly applied in areas of substantial slopes or when high wind or Page 4 of 6

5 drought conditions require extra holding power or moisture conservation for seedlings to take hold before exposure to adverse conditions. Verify mixing process and quantities mixed. Be aware of any temperature restrictions, either specified or recommended by the manufacturer. Substantiate that uniform coverage has been accomplished by touching the dried crust. DOCUMENTATION Measurements, diagrams, calculations and observations for seeding and erosion control operations will be recorded. Seed weight tags with the lot analysis number shall be dated and a statement recorded that the contents of that bag of seed is incorporated into the project. The individual making the observation will sign the tags. List in a table format the bags that were received and any changes made based upon calculations or different purity test results. Ensure that all test results, seed weight tags and other information is retained in the project files. Weigh tickets for dry mulch shall be dated and signed with a statement of incorporation. Form WDA-70 will accompany each load received on the project. Out of state shipments may use the WDA-70 or a similar form from the state of origin. The original WDA-70 serves as certification for each load. Do not accept filled out photo copies of this form. Compile a listing of each load received and its weight that was incorporated into the project. Weigh tickets for fertilizer shall be dated, have a statement of incorporation placed on it and signed by the individual observing the incorporation of the material into the project. List net weights of fertilizer received and show calculations for percentage of available nitrogen. Show periodic calculations for spreading checks to ensure amount bulk spread is as specified in available nutrient analysis. Place all shipping tickets, invoices and other paperwork in project files. All quantities will be entered into the electronic documentation records for the project. The location of the measurements, tickets, and invoices shall be entered as a remark in the placement record for the item. SAFETY Use the following safety equipment: 1. Hard Hat and safety vest. 2. Safety glasses. 3. Leather gloves. Page 5 of 6

6 4. Dust & Mist respirator. Be aware of the presence of high pressure hydraulic systems, p.t.o. s, limited vision from a tractor cab and run over hazard, the inherent danger from sharpened disc edges with gangs folded and elevated bales weighing more than 0.75 tons. When in the presence of fertilizer operations, avoid inhaling chemical dust and fumes. Fertilizers are strong salts that will burn or irritate bare skin. Maintain a safe distance from seeding, fertilizing and mulching operations to avoid fine dust, molds and run over hazards. Some tackifiers require respiratory protection during application. Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if in doubt. Page 6 of 6