SOP 04: Broadcast Seeding & Burn Scar Erosion Control

Event Overview & Objective

Seeding right before late-autumn rains ensures seeds experience natural winter cold stratification while preventing bird predation. Establishing native root webs on ash slopes stabilizes soil and prevents severe erosion during winter rainstorms.

Field Prep Focus

Target moderate-to-high burn severity zones
Rake ash crust to establish direct seed-to-soil contact
Avoid seeding over hydrophobic (water-repellent) ash cap

Required Tools & PPE

Hand-crank broadcast seeders & buckets
McLeod tools, bow rakes & hand cultivators
Weed-free straw bales for mulching
Dust masks (N95) for dry ash areas

Step-by-Step Seeding & Mulching Protocol

1. Surface Preparation (Scuffing) Lightly rake or scuff hard-baked soil or ash crust using McLeod tools or bow rakes to create 1/4-inch shallow grooves for seed retention.

2. Calibrated Broadcast Seeding Walk parallel along slope contours. Broadcast native seed mix evenly using hand-crank seeders at the prescribed rate (e.g., 15–20 lbs per acre). Cast half the mix in one direction and the remaining half perpendicular to ensure coverage.

3. Pressing Seed-to-Soil Contact Lightly rake or walk over seeded soil. Seeds resting on top of loose ash without direct soil contact will dry out and die.

4. Certified Weed-Free Straw Mulching Spread a light layer of weed-free straw (1 to 2 inches thick) over seeded zones. Mulch retains soil moisture and buffers rain impact while allowing sunlight penetration.