CEPSCI Vegetation and Revegetation Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of applying mulch over seeded areas on a construction site?
- To make the site look more attractive
- To retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, protect seeds from displacement, and reduce erosion until vegetation establishes (Correct answer)
- To prevent weeds from growing
- To add nutrients to the soil
Correct answer: To retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, protect seeds from displacement, and reduce erosion until vegetation establishes
Mulch creates a protective layer over seeded soil that retains moisture for germination, moderates soil temperature extremes, prevents seed displacement by rain and wind, and reduces surface erosion.
Question 2: What straw mulch application rate is typically recommended to achieve approximately 75% soil cover?
- 500 pounds per acre
- 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre (Correct answer)
- 5,000 pounds per acre
- 100 pounds per acre
Correct answer: 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre
A straw mulch application rate of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre typically achieves about 75% soil coverage, which is considered the minimum effective rate for erosion control.
Question 3: Erosion control blankets are most appropriate for use on:
- Flat areas with good vegetation
- Steep slopes and drainage channels where seeded areas need additional protection during establishment (Correct answer)
- Paved surfaces
- Areas where no seeding will be done
Correct answer: Steep slopes and drainage channels where seeded areas need additional protection during establishment
Erosion control blankets are installed on steep slopes and channels where surface runoff could wash away seeds and topsoil before vegetation establishes, providing structural protection while plants grow in.
Question 4: A tackifier is added to hydroseeding mixtures to:
- Kill weeds in the seed mix
- Bond the mulch and seed to the soil surface and prevent displacement by rain and wind (Correct answer)
- Increase fertilizer availability
- Speed up seed germination time
Correct answer: Bond the mulch and seed to the soil surface and prevent displacement by rain and wind
Tackifiers are binding agents that adhere the hydroseeding slurry to the soil surface, preventing seeds and mulch from being washed or blown away before vegetation can establish.
Question 5: Which statement best describes the concept of nurse crops in revegetation?
- Crops grown to feed construction workers
- Fast-establishing temporary plants that protect and shelter slower-germinating permanent species during establishment (Correct answer)
- Crops specifically grown for wildlife habitat
- Plants used only in wetland restoration
Correct answer: Fast-establishing temporary plants that protect and shelter slower-germinating permanent species during establishment
Nurse crops are fast-establishing temporary plants that provide immediate cover and protection from erosion, wind, and temperature extremes while slower-growing permanent species establish.
Question 6: Why is it important to select native or locally-adapted plant species for permanent revegetation?
- Native species are always less expensive
- They are adapted to local climate, soils, and rainfall patterns, reducing the need for irrigation, fertilization, and replanting (Correct answer)
- Native species grow faster than non-native species
- They require more maintenance, which creates jobs
Correct answer: They are adapted to local climate, soils, and rainfall patterns, reducing the need for irrigation, fertilization, and replanting
Native and locally-adapted species are better suited to the local environment, requiring less supplemental water and inputs while establishing more reliably and providing ecological benefits.
CEPSCI Vegetation and Revegetation Techniques 2
What is the purpose of applying mulch over seeded areas on a construction site?