16-31 The compost blanket will be see ded on site, at rates and seed types as determined by the
Engineer. Once vegetation is established, final seeding is not required. 1657 -5 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with proof that a minimum 1 inch thick Compost Blanket has been applied after settling. This rate equals approximately 270 cy of compost material per acre of application area. The Contractor shall supply satisfactory evidence that the specified amount of material has been effectively placed (i.e., truck load tickets). Compost Blanket will be measured and paid for as the actual number of acres measured along the surface of the ground over which the Compost Blanket is installed and accepted . Payment will be made under: Pay Item Pay Unit Compost Blanket Acre 1660 -1 DESCRIPTION Prepare seedbed; furnish, place and incorporate limestone, fertilizer and seed; compact seedbed; furnish, place and secure mulch; mow; and perform other operations necessary for the permanent establishment of vegetation from seed on shoulders, slopes, ditches or other roadside areas. Perform seeding and mulching on all earth ar eas disturbed by construction and on portions of areas seeded under previous contracts as directed by the Engineer where there is unsatisfactory vegetative cover. Adapt operations to variations in weather or soil conditions as necessary for the successful establishment and growth of the grasses or legumes. Preserve the required line, grade and cros s section of the area treated. The actual conditions which occur during the construction of the project will determine the quantity of mowing. The quantity of mowing may be increased, decreased or eliminated entirely as directed by the Engineer . Such variations in quantity will not be considered as alterations in the details of construction or a change in the character of the work. 1660 -2 MATERIALS Refer to Division 10. Item Section Fertilizer 1060 -2 Limestone 1060 -3 Seed 1060 -4 Mulch for Erosion Control 1060 -5 Tacking Material 1060 -5 The analysis of fertilizer and the kinds of seed will be as stated in the contract. 1660 -3 COORDINATION WITH GRADING OPERATIONS Perform seeding and mulching operations on a section by section basis immediately upon completion of earthwork sections in accordance with Article 225 -2. When grading operations have been suspended, and seeding and mulching has been performed on areas where work has been suspended, include in the work of seeding and mulching of the adjac ent sections any necessary overlapping of operations on previously established vegetative cover.
16-32 When the Contractor fails or neglects to coordinate grading with seeding and mulching
operations and to pursue diligently the control of erosion and siltation, the Engineer may suspend the Contractor's grading operations until such time as the work is coordinated in a manner acceptable to the Engineer. Such suspension will be in accordance with
Article 108 — 7.
1660 -4 SEEDBED PREPARATION Cut and satisfactorily dispose of weeds or other unacc eptable growth on the areas to be seeded. Shape and smooth uneven and rough areas outside of the graded section, such as crop rows, farm contours, ditches and ditch spoil banks, fence line and hedgerow soil accumulations and other minor irregularities whi ch cannot be obliterated by normal seedbed preparation operations, to provide for more effective seeding and for ease of subsequent mowing operations. Scarify or otherwise loosen the soil to a depth of not less than 5 inches except as otherwise provided be low or otherwise directed by the Engineer . Break clods and work the top 2 inches to 3 inches of soil into an acceptable seedbed by the use of soil pulverizers, drags or harrows; or by other methods approved by the Engineer . Remove all rock and debris 3 inches or larger on median, shoulder and ditch cut or fill slopes which are 3:1 or flatter, before the application of seed and fertilizer. Remove rock 6 inches and larger displaced during seeding operations. Scarify, groove, trench or puncture all slope surfaces. The depth of preparation and the degree of smoothness of the seedbed may be reduced on cut slopes that are 2:1 and steeper, as permitted by the Engineer. On cut slopes that are either 2:1 or steeper, the Engineer may permit the preparation of a partial or complete seedbed during the grading of the slope. If at the time of seeding and mulching operations such preparation is still in a condition acceptable to the Engineer, additional seedbed preparation may be reduced or eliminated. Limit seedbed pr eparation to within 2 f eet of the edge of any pavement to a depth of 2 inches to 3 inches . Do not prepare seedbed when the soil is frozen, extremely wet or when the Engineer determines that it is an otherwise unfavorable working condition. 1660 -5 APPLYING AND COVERING LIMESTONE, FERTILIZER AND SEED
A.General The contract will state the seasonal limitation for seeding operations; the kinds of grades of fertilizers; the kinds of seed; and the rates of application of limestone, fertilizer and seed. Obtain approval from the Engineer before using equipment for the application, covering or compaction of limestone, fertilizer and seed. Approval may be revoked by the Engineer at any time if equipment is not maintained in satisfactory working condition, or if the equipment operation damages the seed. Apply limestone, fertilizer and seed within 24 hours after completion of seedbed preparation unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer. When the Engineer determines that weather and soil conditions are unfavorable, do not distribute any limestone or fertilizer and do not sow any seed. Take adequate precautions to prevent damage to tra ffic, structures, guardrails, traffic control devices or any other appurtenances during the application of fertilizer. Provide adequate covering or change methods of application as required to avoid such damage. Repair any damage that occurs, including a ny cleaning that may be necessary.
16-33 (B) Limestone and Fertilizer
Limestone may be applied as a part of the seedbed preparation, provided it is immediately worked into the soil. If not so applied, distribute limestone and fertilizer uniformly over the prepared seedbed at the specified rate of application and then harrow, rake or otherwise thoroughly work or mix into the seedbed.
C.Seed Distribute seed uniformly over the seedbed at the required rate of application, and immediately harrow, drag, rake or otherwise wo rk so as to cover the seed with a layer of soil. Cover to a depth as directed by the Engineer. If two kinds of seed are to be used which require different depths of covering, sow separately. When a combination seed and fertilizer drill is used, drill fer tilizer with seed after applying and incorporating limestone into the soil. If using two kinds of seed requiring different depth of cover, the seed requiring the lighter cover may be sown broadcast or with a special attachment to the drill, or drilled lig htly following the initial drilling operation. When using a hydraulic seeder for application of seed and fertilizer, do not allow the seed to remain in water containing fertilizer for more than 30 minutes before application unless otherwise permitted by th e Engineer . Compact the seedbed immediately after seed has been properly covered in the manner and degree approved by the Engineer.
D.Modifications When adverse seeding conditions are encountered due to steepness of slope, height of slope or soil conditions, the Engineer may direct or permit that modifications be made in the above requirements which pertain to incorporating limestone into the seedbed; covering limestone, seed and fertilizer; and compaction of the seedbed. Such modifications with approval by t he Engineer may include but not be limited to the following:
1.The incorporation of limestone into the seedbed may be omitted as follows:
a.On cut slopes steeper than 2:1 ;
b.On 2:1 cut slopes when a seedbed has been prepared during the excavation of the cut and is still in an acceptable condition; or
c.On areas of slopes where the surface of the area is too rocky to permit the incorporation of the limestone.
2.The rates of applicati on of limestone, fertilizer and seed on slopes 2:1 or steeper or on rocky surfaces may be reduced or eliminated.
3.Compaction after seeding may be reduced or eliminated on slopes 2:1 or steeper, on rocky surfaces or on other areas where soil conditions would make compaction undesirable. 1660 -6 MULCHING
A.General Mulch all seeded areas unless otherwise indicated in the contract or directed b y the Engineer. Use grain straw as mulch at any time of the year. If permission to use material other than grain straw is requested and the use of such material is approved by the Engineer, the seasonal limitations, the methods and rates of application, t he type of binding material or
16-34 other conditions governing the use of such material will be established by the Engineer at
the time of approval.
B.Applying Mulch Apply mulch within 24 hours after completion of seeding unless otherwise permitted by the Enginee r. Exercise care to prevent displacement of soil or seed or other damage to the seeded area during the mulching operations. Spread mulch uniformly by hand or by approved mechanical spreaders or blowers which will provide an acceptable application. An acc eptable application will be that which will allow some sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate but also partially shade the ground, reduce erosion and conserve soil moisture.
C.Holding Mulch Provide and apply tacking material to hold mulch in place in acc ordance with Article 12 1060 -5. Apply emulsified asphalt tackifier at a rate of 0.10 gallons per square yard (approximately 484 gallons per acre) . Apply cellulose hydromulches at a rate of 1000 pounds (dry weight) per acre. Apply other approved tackifiers a t manufacturer’s recommended application rate. Take adequate precautions to prevent damage to traffic, structures, guardrails, traffic control devices or any other appurtenances during the application of asphalt binding material. Provide adequate covering or change methods of application as required to avoid such damage. Repair any damage that occurs, including any cleaning that may be necessary. Take sufficient precautions to prevent mulch from entering drainage structures through displacement by wind, w ater or other causes and promptly remove any blockage to drainage facilities which may occur. 1660 -7 MAINTENANCE OF SEEDING AND MULCHING Maintain areas where seeding and mulchi ng have been performed in a satisfactory condition until final acceptance of the project. Mow at the location and times as directed by the Engineer . Correct areas of damage or failure due to any cause by repairing or completely reworking as directed by the Engineer . Repair in accordance with Section 1661 where extensive seedbed preparation is unnecessary. Rework seeding and mulching in accordance with this section where correction requires extensive seedbed preparation, or where earthwork repairs or co mplete reshaping are necessary. As an exception to the above, repair areas of damage or failure resulting either from negligence on the part of the Contractor in performing subsequent construction operations or from not taking adequate precautions to contr ol erosion and siltation as required throughout the various sections of the s pecifications , at no cost to the Department. 1660 -8 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT Seeding and Mulching will be measured and paid in acres, measured along the surface of the ground completed and accepted. No direct payment will be made for furnishing and applying the limestone and fertilizer as such work and materials will be incidental to the work covered by Seeding and Mulching. Mowing will be measured and paid in acres measured along the surface of the ground mowed as directed by the Engineer . Where an area has been mowed more than once at the direction of the Engineer, separate measu rement will be made each time the area is mowed.
Source: North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2024 Edition. Pages 781–784 of 857.