CPESC Vegetative Stabilization 3

Question 1

What term describes the percentage of viable seeds in a seed lot, used to calculate the actual seeding rate needed to achieve a target plant population?

Accepted Answer

Pure live seed (PLS)

Answer

Pure live seed (PLS) = (germination % × purity %) / 100, and is used to standardize seeding rates across seed lots of varying quality.

Question 2

Sodding is preferred over seeding for erosion control in which specific situation?

Accepted Answer

Areas requiring immediate stabilization where seeding establishment time is unavailable

Answer

Sod provides immediate ground cover and erosion protection the day it is installed, making it ideal for sites where delays in establishing vegetation are unacceptable.

Question 3

Which factor most limits the establishment of vegetation on mine spoil or highly acidic industrial fill material?

Accepted Answer

Extremely low pH and presence of phytotoxic heavy metals

Answer

Mine spoils often have pH values below 3.5 and contain heavy metals like aluminum and manganese at concentrations toxic to most plants, requiring extensive amendment.

Question 4

What is the recommended minimum fertilizer application rate for nitrogen (N) when establishing permanent vegetation on nutrient-poor disturbed soils, absent a soil test?

Accepted Answer

60-80 lbs N/acre

Answer

A standard starter fertilizer application of 60-80 lbs N/acre is typically recommended for disturbed soils when soil test data is unavailable.

Question 5

Which native grass species is most commonly specified for erosion control seedings in the tallgrass prairie region of the central United States?

Accepted Answer

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Answer

Big bluestem is the dominant native warm-season grass of the tallgrass prairie and is widely specified for native revegetation projects in the central US.

(CPESC) Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Practice Test

(CPESC) Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Practice Test

CPESC Vegetative Stabilization 3