Hydroseeding Vs Hydromulching – Revegetation Solutions

Under Government legislation, mining, coal, and infrastructure companies are required to return their site to its original ecosystem, upon closure of operations. As a result of the soil disruption and change in landscape topography, revegetation is a vital approach in re-formatting the soil profile by creating an optimal platform for establishing plant growth. This vegetation is essential in creating a mechanical barrier against erosion and other environmental issues such as high-risk dust.

Due to the varying, unpredictable and often harsh environmental conditions displayed across Australia, we understand that successfully revegetating these damaged landscapes can be a problematic process. At Erizon® we don’t subscribe to one methodology as we understand that every site is different; therefore, it is our priority to analysis the area precisely and proscribe a solution suited to the site at hand.

Before commencing the rehabilitation process, many of our clients search for appropriate solutions solutions where they will often come across Hydroseeding and Hydromulching. These revegetation methods are both an advanced alternative to traditional planting processes, such as hand and drill seeding. Both approaches are designed to be substantially more economical than laying turf and can reach uneven and inaccessible substrate areas, such as batters, tailing or ash dams. Rather than traditional tactics, our advanced purpose-built HydroRigs™ with built-in agitators will ensure that the hydraulic application maximises a uniform coverage, subsequently underpinning a healthier display of vegetation.

We understand that Hydroseeding and Hydromulching can be used interchangeably, however there are core differences that set them apart as mentioned below.

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a method of using water as a carrier to apply seeds and fertiliser onto the seedbed.  It is important to note that this is different from hydromulching. Our specially designed hydroseeding equipment allows the operator to agitate the mixture to ensure even and constant mixing of ingredients, maximising erosion protection and soil stabilisation.

EnviroSprout™ is a product that represents a scientifically advanced way to revegetation, compared to traditional methods and is designed to reach difficult low access baring areas, such as batters, when a binder is added to the mix.

EnviroSprout™ is best used in large areas where the physical and scientific characteristics of the soil consist of a profile designed for optimal vegetation growth, where mulch is not required, and quality irrigation is present. Hydroseeding is simply a method of applying seed and provides limited erosion protection or soil stabilisation until vegetation has been established, therefore it is a solution often recommended to clients with stabilised weather and environmental conditions.

Hydromulching

Hydromulching is similar to hydroseeding, but it adds a fibre-mulch to the mixture of seed, fertiliser, and water. The mulch essentially provides a safeguard for the seed, helping it retain moisture for faster germination and growth, while protecting the soil from erosion and the seeds from washing away in the rain. These organic mulch fibres are designed to degrade over several months, making way for vegetation growth to establish.

There are often two types of Hydromulching solutions that we offer depending on a substantial degree of variables suited to the soil substrate – these include:

• Enviro Pro – Hydromulching GHM (Hydraulic Growth Mediums)
• EnviroLoc® – Hydromulching BFM (Bonded Fibre Matrix)

Hillgrove – Hydroseeding – EnviroSprout™

Hydromulching HGM-EnviroPro for hydromulching projects is a high-quality mulch comprising Australian-tested growth mediums such as Hydraulic Growth Mediums (HGM). With water used as a carrier, seed, fertiliser, binder, cellulosic mulch and tracking dye are similarly applied to the seedbed as hydroseeding.

Our EnviroPro combines the benefits of biologically active soil conditioners and fertilisers with the perfect blend of organic mulch fibres, binders and, soil stabilisers. These fibres are hydroscopic, delivering up to 50% more water-holding capacity as they are designed to hold moisture longer and promote germination. This supports faster vegetation growth while minimising erosion and reducing water requirements. Hydromulching assists in suppressing weed growth and supporting native growth to thrive.

Kanmantoo Copper Mine – Mine Site Rehabilitation – EnviroPro

Essentially a heavy-duty growth medium, BFM employs a combination of two passes over the surface area. The first step involves a combination of water, seed, and amelioration being applied onto the surface to ensure effective seed-to-soil contact. The second step consists of spraying cellulosic mulch and proprietary binder and tackifier at a high application rate to ensure erosion effectiveness. BFM’s viscous bonding agent dries to form a protective skin over the treated surface area, while interlocking fibres work to retain a high level of moisture, promoting an ideal growing environment.

EnviroLoc® BFM has been designed to provide increased performance in comparison to standard hydromulching solutions when applied to steep batters, slopes, verges, and flat areas. EnviroLoc® follows and moulds to the contours of the surface and is perfect for all-terrain types. This provides extended protection against erosion for up to 18 months by offering complete soil surface cover and improved seed germination. This means improved revegetation outcomes and a greater ability to suppress weeds for your project.

RioTinto Mine – Mine Site Rehabilitation – EnviroLoc®