Arid Southwest BMP - 87 -

Seeding POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Sediments

DESCRIPTION: Seeding is used to establish forage species and to apply an herbaceous seed mix to disturbed areas. Methods of seeding include broadcasting, mulching, hydro seeding and aerial seeding. LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM:

Sediment Reduction – Plant roots protect the soil from erosion, reducing sediment input to streams.

LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Construction sites Agricultural lands Grazing lands Mining lands

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Production of a forage crop Seeding nitrogen-fixing species can add nutrients to soil POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Agricultural Lands Developed Lands Streamside ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Exotic Removal Erosion Control Fabric Mulching Tree Planting PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: None

Arid Southwest BMP - 88 -

Seeding POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Sediments

Level 200: ACTIVE MANAGEMENT LOAD REDUCTION POTENTIAL:

LOW MEDIUM HIGH ESTIMATED TIME FOR LOAD REDUCTION:

IMMEDIATE MONTHS- > 2 YEARS 2 YEARS EXPECTED MAINTENANCE:

LOW MEDIUM HIGH ESTIMATED COST:

LOW MEDIUM HIGH

PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION: Successful seeding requires the use of appropriate native plant seeds sowed during the appropriate time of year. In general the seed is covered with a mulch, compost, or hydro mulch to retain moisture, protect the seed, and provide cover. Riparian Planting Zone: Toe, Bank, and overbank Zones; also Upland zone and Flood flows.

Photo courtesy of ADEQ Streambank Stabilization Plan