Field Evaluation of Cotton-Plant Based Hydromulches

A series of four experiments were conducted at an operational rock quarry in Loachapoka, AL over a two year period. The experiments evaluated different seed selections and mulch types, with the selected plant species varying by planting date (spring or fall). In every experiment three mulches were used: 1) straw, 2) cellulose hydromulch (trade name Environblend), and, 3) cotton-plant based hydromulch. There were four replication of each mulch/seed treatment combination, and plots were large. All experiment sites were located on sloped, bare ground areas and ground preparation was minimal in all cases, and consisted of a D-90 bulldozer used to scrape the surface free of large roots, rocks or other surface trash. Initial (within a few months after seeding) plant establishment data did not predict the plant species that were present one year after seeding. In general, straw mulch performed as well as the hydromulches in vegetation establishment, and it was never the poorest performer. In the spring study hulled sericea lespedeza had a more rapid percent plot cover than unhulled. There was no difference in hulled versus unhulled bermudagrass in plot establishment. In the fall studies, differences in vegetation production due to mulch type were mixed and varied with plant species.