Evaluation of 3 hydromulch planting techniques for establishing Fimbristylis cymosa (mau‘u ‘aki‘aki), a native Hawaiian coastal sedge with roadside revegetation and landscape ground cover potential

Abstract

Three hydromulch planting techniques (hydroseeding, hydromulch capping of seedlings, and hydroplanting of seedlings) for Fimbristylis cymosa R. Br. (mau‘u ‘aki‘aki; Cyperaceae) were evaluated on compost-filled plots for the first 6 mo of planting. Hydro seeding comprised spraying a seed–mulch slurry at a rate of 437 live seeds/m² (41 seeds/ft²) and 2200 kg/ha (1963 lb/ac) paper/straw mulch. Hydromulch capped seedlings comprised applying seedlings by hand to the surface at a rate of 199 plants/m² (18 plants/ft²) and covering them with mulch at a rate of 4400 kg/ha (3926 lb/ac). Hydroplanted seedlings comprised spraying a seedling–mulch slurry at 199 plants/m² (18 plants/ft²) with a mulch rate of 4400 kg/ha (3926 lb/ac). Hydroseeded plots attained the highest plant counts and exhibited the same monthly percent visual cover as hydromulch capped seedlings. Hydromulch capping of seedlings is a less-efficient planting method, as it required more time and resources for seedling preparation compared to hydroseeding. Results of the study support the recommendation of hydroseeding for large-scale planting and establishment of F. cymosa.