The effectiveness of the hydroseeding demonstrations at the UVI and Anguilla
landfill sites could not be evaluated because the grasses seeded at those
sites did not germinate. It is suspected that the seed stock was not of
good quality, and in addition, that the site managers did not follow up
and water the seed regularly in the first 10 days after seeding so that
proper germination would occur. We have found this to be the major draw
back in utilizing this practice. Shaded areas that were seeded germinated.
However, most areas seeded were not shaded. Therefore, the project partners
have concluded that the high evaporation rate experienced at these sites
(which is a common condition in the Territory) greatly exceeded the water
applied during hydroseeding and any watering that occurred thereafter.
The rye grass hydroseeded on the roadside sites during the rainy period
in February germinated soon after seeding occurred and covered approximately
75% of the bare soil seeded. However, the rains ceased soon after and the
area was not watered to promote bermuda grass germination, so much of the
bermuda grass did not germinate, except for those few areas that were shaded
and received frequent water from rain shower runoff.
Future demonstration projects will be utilizing bahia grass due to difficulties
experienced with germination of bermuda grass.