Growth Medium: All You Need to Know About Hydromulching
If your farm is on sloppy terrain, the plants may not flourish due to soil erosion. Thankfully, there is a way you can save both the soil and plants. That is by using hydromulching. Generally, soil can degrade due to soil erosion, low acidity levels, poor soil structure and inadequate internal drainage.
Hydromulching involves the hydraulic planting of seeds. In doing so, the seeds will be safe from the effects of soil erosion. Hydromulching technique acts as a shield from the impact of rain through thermally refined wood fibres, compressed artificial fibres and additives to boost performance. Ideally, the process creates holes for water absorption to ensure adequate plant growth.
To know more about hydromulching, check this FAQ.
How Can Hydromulching Be Defined?
As earlier mentioned, hydromulching restores eroded and leached soil through the hydraulic planting of seeds, fertilisers, tackifiers, as well as wood fibre mulching. It is the most preferred method that is quite effective in protecting the seeds from the effects of soil erosion. It also stabilises the seeds and keeps them safe from the impact of wind and rain.
Are Hydromulching and Hydroseeding the Same Thing?
Well, most people interchange the two terms. Both are practical solutions to traditional ones like hand seeding and sod application, as well as drill application. Despite that, there is a slight difference between the two.
While hydromulching methods involve hygroscopic fibre mulch together with fertiliser, water mix and seeds, hydroseeding does none of these. Instead, hydroseeding works best on large farms with healthy soils where mulch is not needed.
What Is the Purpose of Hydromulching?
Hydromulching rebuilds soil in an affected area by protecting it from soil erosion. It is suitable for sloppy areas. By covering such ground, you also keep the earth from being eroded and carried away by the wind that may otherwise lead to sedimentation and debris moving down to the water bodies. The process is only completed once the soil is tough enough to withstand such setbacks.
What Are the Benefits of Hydromulching?
Apart from ensuring the seeds and soil are not affected by erosion, mulching also prevents dust suppression, regulates moisture temperatures, stops weeds and pathogens from developing and provides faster plant growth due to the hygroscopic properties. It is also a non-toxic method that degrades after several months.
This article should get you started on your aspiration in hydromulching. If you still have other questions regarding growth medium methods, such as the preparation and application process, consult someone like a professional landscaper or a Flexterra Growth Medium distributor.
