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Sediment Control
References
Drill Seed

What is This Treatment?
Drill Seed work is the sowing of seed in the soil using a drill seeding device.
When to Use This Treatment?
Typically used in disturbed soil areas 3:1 (H:V) and flatter that are readily accessible by equipment.
Benefits:
- Sowing the seed directly in the soil leads to better germination and vegetative cover than hydroseed techniques.
- Requires only one-half the seeding rate of Dry Seed or Hydroseed
Limitations:
- Not effective in applying fluffy seed (e.g., rabbit brush) due to static electricity.
Technical Information
- For technical information on seed selection, click here.
- Inoculation of legume seed is no longer required per research performed by the Soil Sciences Department of Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. This report may be viewed at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/policy/pdf/legume.pdf
Consider Using This Specification With:
To prevent surface erosion after drilling seed, consider following this treatment with:
- Hydroseed - for fiber/tackifier installation only.
- Bonded Fiber Matrix
- Mulch
To effectively treat sites with compacted, nutrient depleted, or poorly draining soils, consider combining this treatment with:
Specifications:
- SSP 20-050 Erosion Control (Drill Seed)
- Caltrans Standard Specifications - Erosion Control and Highway Planting
Plans and Details:
Specify the use of Drill Seed on the project plans:

Estimate Information:
- Click here to view current awarded bid prices for Drill Seeding.
- Click here for a 1997 cost survey of Erosion Control pricing.
- Use 203004 Erosion Control (Drill Seed) for payment by square yard.
- Use 203005 Erosion Control (Drill Seed) for payment by acre.
External Links:
- David Steinfield, Scott Riley, Kim Wilkinson, Thomas D. Landis, Lee Riley, et al. 2007. "Roadside Revegetation, An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants" Accessed 2009-07-16
- Michael Hogan, 2009. "Sediment Source Control Handbook, An Adaptive Approach to Restoration of Disturbed Areas" Accessed 2009-07-16.
Updated 11-21-2012

