Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #61

 

When seeding and mulching to obtain a vegetative cover, how much mulch should you use?  The answer is ”it depends”.  What you really want is about a 75% ground cover.  If you place too little, the seed and soil will not be protected from erosion and moisture will not be preserved.  If you place too much, the seed may not germinate or be able to get to the sunlight.  Make sure you can still see a little soil through the mulch. Also, straw mulch (wheat, oat, barley, or rye) is preferred over hay.

 Mark your calendar for Clear Water Alabama 2024. September 25 – 26 in Dothan Alabama.

Perry L Oakes, PE

Erosion and Sediment Control Program Coordinator

AL Soil and Water Conservation Committee

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