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3UDFWLFH6WDQGDUGVDQG6SHFL¿FDWLRQV <br />6.14.1 <br />MULCHING <br />'H¿QLWLRQ Application of a protective blanket of straw or other plant residue, gravel, or <br />synthetic material to the soil surface. <br />3XUSRVH To protect the soil surface from the forces of raindrop impact and overland <br />flow. Mulch fosters the growth of vegetation, reduces evaporation, insulates <br />the soil, and suppresses weed growth. Mulch is frequently used to accent <br />landscape plantings. <br />&RQGLWLRQV:KHUH <br />3UDFWLFH$SSOLHV <br />Mulch temporary or permanent seedings immediately. Areas that cannot <br />be seeded because of the season should be mulched to provide temporary <br />protection of the soil surface. Use an organic mulch in this case (but not wood <br />fiber), and seed the area as soon as possible. Mulch around plantings of trees, <br />shrubs, or ground covers to stabilize the soil between plants. <br />3ODQQLQJ <br />&RQVLGHUDWLRQV <br />A surface mulch is the most effective, practical means of controlling runoff <br />and erosion on disturbed land prior to vegetation establishment. Mulch <br />reduces soil moisture loss by evaporation, prevents crusting and sealing of the <br />soil surface, moderates soil temperatures, provides a suitable microclimate for <br />seed germination, and may increase the infiltration rate of the soil. <br />Organic mulches such as straw, wood chips, and shredded bark have been <br />found to be the most effective. Do not use materials which may be sources <br />of competing weed and grass seeds. Decomposition of some wood products <br />can tie up significant amounts of soil nitrogen, making it necessary to modify <br />fertilization rates, or add fertilizer with the mulch (Table 6.14a). <br />A variety of mats and fabrics have been developed in recent years for use as <br />mulch, particularly in critical areas such as waterways and channels. Various <br />types of netting materials are also available to anchor organic mulches. <br />Chemical soil stabilizers or soil binders, when used alone, are less effective <br />than other types of mulches. These products are primarily useful for tacking <br />wood fiber mulches. <br />The choice of materials for mulching should be based on soil conditions, <br />season, type of vegetation, and size of the area. A properly applied and tacked <br />mulch is always beneficial. It is especially important when conditions for <br />germination are not optimum, such as midsummer and early winter, and on <br />difficult areas such as cut slopes and slopes with southern exposures. <br />25*$1,&08/&+(6 <br />6WUDZ is the mulch most commonly used in conjunction with seeding. The <br />straw should come from wheat or oats (“small grains”), and may be spread by <br />hand or with a mulch blower. Straw may be lost to wind, and must be tacked <br />down. <br />Wood chips are suitable for areas that will not be closely mowed, and around <br />ornamental plantings. Chips do not require tacking. Because they decompose <br />slowly, they must be treated with 12 pounds of nitrogen per ton to prevent <br />6.14 <br />Attachment C - NCDEQ Mulching Specs <br />DocuSign Envelope ID: AEB4824B-973E-408D-9C1C-5EDDD8B50786