airtap fall forum 2014 airside vegetation strategies
TRANSCRIPT
AirTAP Fall Forum 2014
Airside Vegetation Strategies
What are your vegetation problems?
Accumulation of sand and soil on edgesWinter killErosion on runway edgesVegetation that attracts wildlifeWoody vegetation: knowing what trees to
remove?
Accumulation of sand and soil on edges
Accumulation of sand and soil on edges
Accumulation of sand and soil on edges
Light broom and pick upBroom soil onto runway edge,
and then remove with a sweeper
This maintains edge drop and reduces buildup on runway edges
Or simply dethatch with light brooming
Winter Kill
Use a contractor, local farmer, or agency equipment to do one of these:1. Disc lightly to break up
hardpan, compacted crust
2. Till lightly to aerate soil
3. Track with skid steer attachments
4. Rent aerator or other lawn tool
Winter KillRejuvenate the soil:
1. After discing, broadcast soil amendments (first, get your soil tested by local extension office!!)
2. It is likely missing Nitrogen (or maybe Phosphorus), so replace with standard 10-10-10 blend at 100 lbs/acre
3. Add “Tazo”, a bacteria that feeds the soil (also available as “Boost” or others)
http://terramax.co/products/tazo-st/link
Winter KillRejuvenate the soil:
1. After discing, broadcast soil amendments (first, get your soil tested by local extension office!!)
2. It is likely missing Nitrogen (or maybe Phosphorus), so replace with standard 10-10-10 blend at 100 lbs/acre
3. Add “Tazo”, a bacteria that feeds the soil (also available as “Boost” or others)
http://terramax.co/products/tazo-st/
Winter KillSeed mix overseed
Use commercial turf grass at 220 lbs/acre$1,200/acre including seed costs Use MnDOT Mix 25-131
Low maintenance turfNon-native grassesSome salt tolerancesUp to 12” tallDrought resistanceMow once/3 weeks
Erosion on Runway Edges
If addressing winter kill, mulch area after seeding! Want to get to green ASAP; this holds moisture
and prevents fire danger. Use fiber mulch that sticks to soil.
For mulch: Stabilized Fiber Matrix (SFM) MnDOT spec. 3884.2B3 With poor soils, use Hydraulic Compost Matrix
(Verdyol black mulch or hydromulch)
Erosion on Runway Edges
Mulch costs:Blanket $2.00/syStabilized Fiber Mulch
$1.55/syHydropost $1.35/sy
Partner with local agencies for equipment and labor
Vegetation that attracts wildlife
All grasses are attractive to wildlife, so species is not an issue (natives get a bad name)
Eliminate or relocate wetlands near airports
Consider ways to increase habitat for small pollinators (bees and butterflies)
Environmental Stewardship
Butterfly gardening:http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/butterfly-gardening/
Creating a butterfly garden:http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/butterfly-gardening/creating-a-butterfly-garden/
Woody Vegetation in Approach Rick Braunig presented on this
during the 2012 Fall Forum at Mankato
MnDOT identifies obstructions every 3 years
MnDOT Aeronautics will assist, but simple surveying techniques are also available to determine tree height and encroachment into approach
Woody Vegetation Start by staking the area in plan view Conduct one survey and tie ribbon on trees that are
getting close Monitor the tree heights with GIS or simple database Develop an ANNUAL maintenance plan Trimming guidance:
Roadside Vegetation
Handbook by LTAP (p.33)
http://www.lrrb.org/media/reports/200019.pdf
Woody Vegetation Start by staking the area in plan view Conduct one survey and tie ribbon on trees that are
getting close Monitor the tree heights with GIS or simple database Develop an ANNUAL maintenance plan Trimming guidance:
Roadside Vegetation
Handbook by LTAP (p.33)
http://www.lrrb.org/media/reports/200019.pdf
Think outside the box:
For more information, call:
Dwayne StenlundOffice of Environmental Stewardship
661-366-3625