Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a mechanical method of applying seed, fertilizer, and mulch to land in one step.

Soil erosion resulting from logging road construction is a serious problem affecting physical stream water quality and road stability in Malaysia.

This study investigates slope re-turfing by hydroseeding to alleviate this problem.

Hydroseeding can apply to:

- Slope area

- Cut slope

- Slope erosion control

Hydroseeding is the method of embedding seeds onto the raw slope face through slurry which is sprayed from a hydroseeder (mobile slurry mixing tank with pump) which is usually truck mounted. The slurry usually comprises of water, grass seeds, fertilizer, soil stabilizer / glue and paper mulch.

Hydroseeding method is ideal for slopes with little or no access, steep slopes (usually cut slopes over 35 degrees) where normal turfing would be either very difficult or impossible, rocky or gravelly slopes with cracks, crevices and totally devoid of top soils. In addition, hydroseeding is a very fast and efficient method with 0.5-hectare coverage in an hour of spray.

It is highly recommended for the slope to be protected with biodegradable erosion control blanket after hydroseeding to enhance the highest possibility of the seed germination. Biodegradable erosion control blanket bond directly to the soil surface thus provide excellent prevention of grass seeds from being washed by rainfall, eaten by birds or run off velocity. In addition, biodegradable erosion control blanket also improves soil fertility and moisture retention besides providing protection for young grown grass.

5 Stages of Hydroseeding

1. Raw slope after excavation ready for hydroseeding.


2. Hydroseeding is carried out on the raw slope.


3. Slope is being protected with biodegradable erosion control blanket after Hydroseeding


4. Initial growth stage of Signal Grass after 2-4 weeks of Hydroseeding


5. Slope with fully grown Signal Grass after 6-8 weeks of Hydroseeding.

Hydroseeding Mix and Method of Application

(CAPACITY OF HYDROSEER – 1,000 LITERS)

Hydroseeding Mix

1. Pump water into hydroseeder to ¾ level.


2. Free gear and start engine.


3. Put in mulch (if paper mulch is used – 15 to 20 kg dry weight is recommended).


4. Next add in 30 kg Soil Stabilizer (R1187).


5. Put in 8 to 10 kg grass seeds. You may add millet if you wish for fast establishment of greens / vegetation.


6. Add ‘Bio-Super 1’ fertilizer with the mixture.


7. Finally top up with water.

Method of Application

1. Before engaging the gear, the person who will do the spraying must hold tight the nozzle and have firm footing on stable ground as he will expect a strong back-kick the moment the slurry shoots out of the nozzle.


2. Do not shoot the slurry directly to the soil surface. Instead, it should be done in the form of raindrops in a uniform pattern. Ensure even coverage of slurry on soil surface. One machine load with proper application can cover approximately 600 to 700 m2.


3. Watering (also in the form of raindrops) on the hydroseeded area can start immediately the next day and must be continued daily in the initial stage to ensure speedy germination and growth. Light watering will not help much due to our hot climatic condition. Therefore, sufficient and proper water must be done ensuring water seep into the soil yet avoiding overflow of water on the soil surface.

NOTE: Hydroseeding should never be applied during, before or immediately following rainfall. Avoid application in high winds. Machines and tools should be flushed and cleaned with water immediately after use. All moving parts should be oiled and greased regularly.

Types of Grass Seed

Signal grass (“Brachiaria Decumbens”) is indigenous to Uganda and is currently being grown in many tropical to subtropical countries throughout the world. It forms a dense, high yielding sward which responds very well to additional nitrogen. It is a perennial grass with strong stoloniferous roof system and long trailing stems which will readily roof down from their nodes. Signal grass is highly recommended for slope erosion control and is widely used along most of our Malaysian highways including the North-South Highway.

Resources, Manpower and Machinery

1. Grass Seeds - Signal grass (“Brachiaria Decumbens”)


2.  Fertilizer


3. Paper Mulch


4. Soil Stabilizer


5. Fiber Natting


6. Lorry


7. Water pump


8. Hydroseeding Machine


9. Skilled workers


10. General workers