Mulch types application rates benefits, and limitations
Link to this table
| Mulch Type | Application Rate | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straw, hay, or other grasses | 11/2 to 21/2 tons per acre | Readily available and inexpensive; very effective in controlling erosion; can be applied on large sites via blower | Can carry unwanted seeds; might need tackifier or anchoring,
especially on steep slopes |
| Wood chips, bark, sawdust | 5 to 8 tons per acre | Very low cost in some locations; chips can be effective on slopes up to 30% | High nitrogen demand when decomposing; can float away or blow away during rain storms |
| Rock | 200 to 500 tons per acre | Could be inexpensive and readily available in some locales; might be suitable for smaller sites | Inhibits plant growth; adds no nutrients to the soil; can be costly to apply on slopes and large sites; adds hardened look to slopes |
| Hydraulically applied mulches | 11/2 to 21/2 tons per acre | Easily and rapidly applied with sprayer equipment; can include seed, fertilizer, flexible/fibrous mulches, and soil binders | Could be too expensive for small or very remote sites; after application, must dry for at least 24 hours before rainfall |