SCDOT Seeding Specifications - Municipal Association of South ...

SCDOT Seeding Specifications
Ray Vaughan – SCDOT
J.P. Johns – McGill Associates

SCASM 2009

Select seed from
◦ Table 1 Perennials
◦ Table 2 Annuals
Lower State
Upper State
If seed in tables are not available,
Contractor may select most
practicable alternative seed
available as substitute.
The Contractor must submit data to
the RCE showing substitute seed is
appropriate for specific application.
SCASM 2009

Select a minimum of 2 seed types from Table 1 for all permanent
cover (specific application, time of year and availability of seed).
Minimum 1 seed type must be a turf-type species.
Contractor may add permanent cover nurse crop from Table 2.
Exceptions for selecting minimum of 2 permanent cover species
from Table 1 are:
◦ Medians in Upper State and Lower State utilize a minimum of 1 turf-type
species from Table 1 and 1 permanent cover nurse crop from Table 2.
◦ Shoulder work in the Lower State utilize a minimum of 1 turf-type species
from Table 1 and Contractor may add permanent cover nurse crop from
Table 2.
SCASM 2009

COMMON NAME 5
TURF-TYPE GRASSES (SELECT ONE)
BOTANICAL
NAME
TABLE 1: PERENNIALS
APPROVED
SITE(S)
PLANTING
RATE
(lbs/acre)
Bahiagrass 1 Paspalum notatum Slopes 30
Common Bermudagrass 2
(hulled = hull absent)
Common Bermudagrass 2
(unhulled = hull present)
Carpet Grass
Tall Fescue
Centipedegrass
GRASSES
Cynodon dactylon
Cynodon dactylon
Axonopus affinis
Festuca aruninacea
Shoulders, Slopes,
or Medians
Shoulders, Slopes,
or Medians
Shoulders, Slopes
or Medians
Shoulders, Slopes,
or Medians
25
30
15
50
Eremochloa
ophiuroides Shoulders, Medians 10
Weeping Lovegrass Erograstis curvula Slopes 5
Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans Slopes 10
Little Bluestem Andropogon scoparius Slopes 10
Coastal Panicgrass Panicum amarum Slopes 20
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum Slopes 10
Perennial Rye Grass 3 Lolium perrene
Virginia Wildrye
LEGUMES 4
Elymus virginicus
Shoulders, Slopes,
or Medians
Shoulders,Slopes,
or Medians
White Clover Trifolium repens Shoulders, Slopes 5
Sericea Lespedeza
(Scarified seed)
Sericea Lespedeza
(Unscarified seed)
15
Lespedeza cuneta Slopes 50
Lespedeza cuneta Slopes 80
6
PLANTING
LOCATION
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
Planting Dates*
1 Bahiagrass: Bahiagrass may be used as an optional turf-type permanent cover at the discretion of the RCE. * Months shaded in gray represent applicable planting dates.
2 Common Bermudagrass: Do not use Giant Bermudagrass (NK-37).
3 Perennial Rye Grass: Do not use Annual Italian Rye grass (Lolium multiforum).
4 Only use pre-inoculated legumes or use an appropriate inoculant with the seed at planting.
5 If the Common Name of the seed listed in Table 1 or Table 2 is not available, use
seed with the listed Botanical Name.
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Indian Grass is South Carolina’s Official State Grass
SCASM 2009

COMMON NAME 3
BOTANICAL
NAME
Crimson Clover 1 Trifolium incarnatum
APPROVED
SITE(S)
Shoulders, Slopes, or
Medians
TABLE 2: ANNUALS
1 Only use pre-inoculated legumes or an appropriate inoculant with the seed at planting.
2 Rye Grain: Do not use Annual Italian Rye Grass (Lolium multiforum).
3 If the Common Name of the seed listed in Table 1 or Table 2 is not available, use seed with the listed Botanical Name.
* Months shaded in gray represent applicable planting dates.
NURSE
CROP
RATE
(lbs/acre)
TEMP
COVER
RATE
(lbs/acre)
20 20
Korean Lespedeza 1 Lespedeza stipulacea Shoulders, Slopes 30 NA
Korean Lespedeza 1
(unhulled = hull present)
Lespedeza stipulacea Shoulders, Slopes 30 60
Lespedeza 1 Lespedeza striata Shoulders, Slopes 30 NA
Lespedeza 1
(unhulled = hull present)
Browntop Millet
German Millet
(Foxtail Millet)
Lespedeza striata Shoulders, Slopes 30 60
Panicum ramosum
Setaria italica
Shoulders, Slopes, or
Medians
Shoulders, Slopes, or
Medians
10 50
25 40
Japanese Millet Echinochloa crusgalli Slopes 10 50
Oats Avena sativa Slopes 65 110
Hairy Vetch 1 Vicia villosa
Shoulders, Slopes, or
Medians
15 50
Pearl Millet Pennisetum glaucum Slopes 15 50
Sudangrass
Sorghum bicolor
Shoulders, Slopes, or
Medians
30 60
Barley Hordeum vulgare Shoulders, Slopes 55 110
Wheat Triticum spp. Shoulders, Slopes 75 110
Rye Grain 2 Secale cereale Shoulders, Slopes 75 110
PLANTING
LOCATION
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
Upper State
Lower State
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
Planting Dates*
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Korean lespedeza (Low-growing annual legume- Summer grower)
SCASM 2009

1 soil sample per 1-acre of surface area of representative soil type.
◦ 1 sample consists of mixing 10 sub-samples taken uniformly over 1 acre.
◦ Representative soil types include predominate soils, cut slopes, fill
material, and areas of exposed subsoil.
◦ RCE determines location of distinguishable representative soil types.
◦ Take Soil samples from stockpiles or borrow pits where material will be
top 6 inches of seedbed.
Submit a separate soil sample from each representative soil type to a
SCDOT certified soil testing laboratory.
SCASM 2009

A soil analysis is required prior to all permanent cover operations.
A soil analysis is required prior to lime and fertilizer applications.
Soil analysis determines the need and rate of lime and fertilizer applications.
At a minimum, a standard soil test includes
◦ pH,
◦ buffer pH,
◦ extractable phosphorus,
◦ potassium,
◦ lime requirements and recommendations,
◦ calculations for CEC (cation exchange capacity)
◦ fertilizer requirements and recommendations.
SCASM 2009

Agricultural Lime
◦ Soil analysis is required prior to application.
◦ Apply within ±10% of weight recommendation of the soil analysis.
◦ Payment is made for the number of pounds applied as required by the soil
analysis.
SCASM 2009

Agricultural Granular Fertilizer
◦ Soil analysis required prior to application.
◦ Apply within ± 10% of soil analysis weight recommendation.
◦ Apply within ± 2 of soil analysis percentage points for nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash.
When fertilizer blends meeting soil analysis are not readily available, Contractor may combine
fertilizers of different compositions to meet soil analysis requirements.
◦ Apply fertilizer at a rate to achieve nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash that would have been
accomplished by utilizing the fertilizer specified by the soil analysis.
In all cases, apply nitrogen and phosphorus at a rate that does not exceed the soil analysis
recommendation while keeping the actual nitrogen and phosphorus rate as close to the soil
analysis recommended rate to the maximum extent practicable.
Use fertilizer that incorporates a minimum of 50% water insoluble (slow release) nitrogen.
Payment is made for the number of pounds of each separate nutrient (N, P, K) applied as
required by the soil analysis.
SCASM 2009

Fast Acting Lime
◦ Required for all temporary cover by seeding and
permanent cover by seeding applications.
◦ Included in the permanent and temporary cover pay item.
◦ Apply fast acting liquid lime at a rate of 5 gallons per acre
or per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
OR
◦ Apply fast acting dry lime at a rate of 100 pounds per acre
or per manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pulverized limestone with approximately 95% passing a 100
mesh screen (150 microns)
SCASM 2009

◦ Required for all temporary cover by seeding and permanent cover by seeding
applications
◦ Provide an immediate seedbed adjustment to help stimulate seed germination,
improve the availability of nutrients to the grass, and increase the number and
depth of root development. Use growth stimulants for all permanent cover and
temporary cover by seeding applications.
◦ Included in the permanent or temporary cover pay item
◦ Strictly apply at the manufacturer’s recommended rates.
SCASM 2009

Perform temporary cover by mulch or temporary cover by seeding within 7
days when a site will not be worked for 21 days up to a maximum of 60
days.
If the site will not be worked for a period longer than 60 days, then
temporary cover by seeding is required.
SCASM 2009

Required for all temporary cover by seeding and permanent cover by seeding
applications.
Mulch may also be used for temporary cover applications.
Use an appropriate mulch for the slope steepness and slope length
Apply the mulch with a minimum continuous soil coverage of 95%, maintained
across the entire application area.
Note that 100% wood chip mulch is not acceptable for seeding applications.
SCASM 2009

Applicable Mulches
Straw or Hay With Tackifier
Hydraulic Erosion Control Product (HECP)
Type 1 (HM)
HECP Type 2 (SMM)
HECP Type 3 (BFM)
HECP Type 4 (FRM)
Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs)
Turf Reinforcement Matting (TRMs)
◦ * Note ECBs and TRMs are not applicable for
temporary seeding and stabilization
SCASM 2009

Composed of Non-toxic defibrated fibers.
Has no germination or growth inhibiting factors and does not form a waterresistant
crust that can inhibit plant growth.
Completely photo-degrades or biodegrades.
All components are pre-packaged by the manufacturer, under no
circumstances will field mixing of additives or components be accepted.
Provide HECP from a manufacturer listed on the most recent edition of the
SCDOT Qualified Product List
SCASM 2009

Maximum of 30% paper
Minimum of 70% wood or a minimum of 70% natural fibers
Contains non-toxic tackifiers that upon drying become insoluble and non-dispersible
to eliminate direct raindrop impact on soil.
SCASM 2009
HECP Type 1 Property Test Method** Required Value
Physical
Color Observed
Colored to contrast application area, shall not stain
concrete or painted surfaces.
Organic Matter ASTM D2974 90% minimum
Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367 500 % minimum
Acute Toxicity
Endurance
ASTM 7101
EPA 2021.0-1
Non Toxic
Functional Longevity Observed Up to 60 days
Performance
Cover Factor ASTM D6459* ≤ 0.50
Vegetation Establishment ASTM D7322* 300% minimum

Matrix composed of a minimum of 70% of non-toxic defibrated organic fibers
Non-toxic additives that upon drying become insoluble and non-dispersible to
eliminate direct raindrop impact on soil:
SCASM 2009
Insoluble soil flocculants, Cross-linked hydro-colloidal polymers, or Cross-linked tackifiers.
Do not use materials of paper, cellulose fiber, or any mixture of these.
HECP Type 2 Property Test Method** Required Value
Physical
Color Observed
Colored to contrast application area, shall not stain
concrete or painted surfaces.
Organic Matter ASTM D2974 90% minimum
Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367 600% minimum
Acute Toxicity
Endurance
ASTM 7101
EPA 2021.0-1
Non Toxic
Functional Longevity Observed Up to 90 days
Performance
Rainfall Event (R-factor) ASTM D6459* 50 < R< ≤100
Cover Factor ASTM D6459* C ≤ 0.10
Vegetation Establishment ASTM D7322* 400% minimum

Matrix composed of non-toxic defibrated organic fibers
SCASM 2009
A minimum of 70% long strand, fibers.
Thermally processed or refined heated to a minimum temperature of 212 degrees
Fahrenheit for sterilization purposes.
Non-toxic water insoluble cross-linked hydro-colloidal tackifier.
Do not use materials of paper, cellulose fiber, or any mixture of these.
HECP Type 3 Property Test Method** Required Value
Physical
Color Observed
Colored to contrast application area, shall not
stain concrete or painted surfaces.
Organic Matter ASTM D2974 90% minimum
Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367* 700% minimum
Acute Toxicity
Endurance
ASTM 7101
EPA 2021.0-1
Non Toxic
Functional Longevity Observed Up to 180 days
Performance
Rainfall Event (R-factor) ASTM D6459* 100 < R ≤150
Cover Factor ASTM D6459* C ≤ 0.05
Vegetation Establishment ASTM D7322* 500 % minimum

Matrix composed of Non-toxic defibrated organic fiber
SCASM 2009
A minimum of 70% non-toxic long strand, fibers.
Thermally processed or refined heated to a minimum temperature of 212 degrees
Fahrenheit for sterilization purposes.
Non-toxic interlocking natural or synthetic fibers.
Non-toxic performance enhancing additives.
Non-toxic water insoluble cross-linked hydro-colloidal tackifier.
Do not use materials of paper, cellulose fiber, or any mixture of these.
HECP Type 4 Property Test Method** Required Value
Physical
Color Observed
Colored to contrast application area, shall not
stain concrete or painted surfaces.
Organic Matter ASTM D2974 90% minimum
Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367 1000% minimum
Acute Toxicity
ASTM 7101
EPA 2021.0-1
Non Toxic
Endurance
Observed Up To 365 days
Performance
Rainfall Event (R-factor) ASTM D6459* R > 150
Cover Factor ASTM D6459* C ≤ 0.01
Vegetation Establishment ASTM D7322* 600% minimum

SCASM 2009
Mulch 1 Applicable Slopes 2 Minimum Application Rate
(lbs/acre -dry) 3
Straw or Hay with Tackifier ≤ 4:1 2,000 3
Min Slope
Height (ft)
HECP Type 1 ≤ 4:1 2,000 3 N/A
HECP Type 2 4:1 < S ≤ 3:1 2,500 3 N/A
HECP Type 3 3:1 < S ≤ 2:1 3,000 3 N/A
HECP Type 4
Type A Erosion
Control Blanket (ECB)
Type 3 Turf
Reinforcement Mat (TRM)
2:1 < S ≤ 1:1 3,500 3
> 1:1 4,000 (temp cover only) 4
When site constraints exceed the acceptable application for mulch,
use erosion control blankets (ECBs) and turf reinforcement matting (TRMs).
≤ 2:1 N/A 5
≤ 1:1 N/A 5
1 A higher level of mulch may be applied than that specified on the Plans, Specifications, and other terms of the Contract. In this situation, payment is for the actual
mulch specified.
2 The maximum allowable continuous slope length for mulch applications is 50 feet. Slope breaks or ECBs and TRMs are required for continuous slope length longer
than 50 feet.
3 Strictly comply with the manufacturer’s mixing recommendations, installation instructions and application rates for the actual slope steepness and maximum
continuous slope length of the application.
4 HECP Type 4 may be used for permanent cover applications on slopes 1:1 or greater at a minimum rate of 4,500 pounds per acre as directed by the RCE only
when proper TRM installation is not practicable due to site constraints.
N/A
N/A

Before acceptance of permanent cover, a uniform perennial vegetative cover
with a density of 70% of the seeded area is required.
A well developed root system is established to survive dry periods and
winter weather and be capable of reestablishment in the spring.
Using the seed specified in the seeding tables, the Contractor will create a
seeding plan and determine all rates of application necessary to produce the
required stand of grass and follow the application procedures as specified
herein.
SCASM 2009

Used to establish a bid price per gallon of water in the
event that the District Construction Engineer (DCE)
determines that watering is necessary.
Not intended to be used for all projects or an entire
project site.
Consists of selectively applying water to seeded areas
that are slow to develop or deficient in adequate
density.
Used to enhance germination and enhance root growth
in these poor growth areas.
When directed by the DCE, use to help enhance the
establishment of a stand of cover.
SCASM 2009

Used to establish a bid price per gallon of water in the event that the District
Construction Engineer (DCE) determines that watering is necessary.
◦ Apply 1 inch of water per irrigation event.
◦ 1-acre-inch = 27,154 gallons (volume of water necessary to cover 1 acre 1 inch deep.)
SCASM 2009
Quantity of Permanent Cover Estimated Quantity of Water
Less than ½ acre None
½ acre to 5 acres 54,300 gallons
Greater than 5 less than 20 135,750 gallons
Greater than 20 acres 271,500 gallons

Payment for selective watering for vegetation is full compensation for
furnishing and applying water as specified or directed by the DCE
and includes all other materials, labor, equipment, tools, supplies,
transportation, and incidentals necessary to fulfill the requirements of
the pay item in accordance with the Plans, Specifications, and other
terms of the Contract.
SCASM 2009

Perform all maintenance necessary to keep seeded
areas in a satisfactory condition until the work is finally
accepted.
◦ Includes mowing, repairing areas of erosion and washes,
applying additional seed, fertilizer and mulch to areas
where a satisfactory stand of grass has not been
achieved.
Selective Water seeded areas only as directed by the
DCE.
The Contractor is not responsible for seeded areas
damaged by insects, animals, or extreme or unusual
weather events.
◦ An extreme rainfall event is defined as being a 25-year
storm event or greater based on the inches of rain per
hour received for the particular location as determined
from the current NOAA precipitation tables.
SCASM 2009

Payment for each pay item is determined using the Contract
unit bid price for the applicable pay item. The payment
includes all direct and indirect costs and expenses necessary
to complete the work.
Payment for items such as lime, fertilizer and mulch will be
dependent upon completed inspection forms.
SCASM 2009

Temporary Cover and Permanent Cover
Payment for temporary and permanent cover is full compensation for
furnishing all materials (excluding agricultural granular lime, granular
fertilizer, mulch, compost, selected material for shoulders and slopes, and
selective watering for vegetation) and includes all other materials, labor,
equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, and incidentals necessary to fulfill
the requirements of the pay item in accordance with the Plans,
Specifications, and other terms of the Contract.
Payment will not exceed 90% of the Contract unit price for temporary cover
and permanent cover items until a satisfactory stand of grass meeting the
requirements of this Specification is established.
SCASM 2009

SCASM 2009
Bid Item
Number
Description Units
8100100 PERMANENT COVER ACRE
8100101 PERMANENT GRASSING FOR SMALL PROJECTS ACRE
8100200 TEMPORARY COVER ACRE
8101105 COMPOST CY
8101110 STRAW OR HAY MULCH WITH TACKIFIER ACRE
8101115 HYDRAULIC EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT (HECP) TYPE 1 ACRE
8101120 HYDRAULIC EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT (HECP) TYPE 2 ACRE
8104005 FERTILIZER (NITROGEN) LB
8104010 FERTILIZER (PHOSPHORIC ACID) LB
8104015 FERTILIZER (POTASH) LB
8105005 AGRICULTURAL GRANULAR LIME LB
8109050 SELECTIVE WATERING GAL
8109901 MOWING ACRE
8151011 HYDRAULIC EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT (HECP) TYPE 3 ACRE
8151021 HYDRAULIC EROSION CONTROL PRODUCT (HECP) TYPE 4 ACRE
8151111 TEMPORARY EROSION CONTRL.BLANKET(CL-A) MSY
8151103 TURF REINFORCEMENT MATTING (TRM)-TYPE 3 MSY