Supplemental_Specifications_SOD.pdf

PRPK 581 FOUO 329280 - 1

January 15, 2014 SOIL MODIFICATION, TOPSOIL & SODDING

SECTION 329280

SOIL MODIFICATION, TOPSOIL AND SODDING

PART 1. GENERAL

1.1 WORK INCLUDED

A. Preparation of sub-grade.

B. Preparation of sod bed.

C. Laying sod.

D. Maintenance.

1.2 RELATED WORK

A. Section 312000: Earth Moving.

B. Section 329500: Trees, Shrubs and Groundcover

1.3 REFERENCE STANDARDS

A. Topsoil: National Soil and Fertilizer Research Committee.

B. Sodding: American Sod Producers Association Guideline Specifications to Sodding.

C. Fertilizer:

1. Association of American Plant Food Control Officials.

2. FS 0-F-241 - Fertilizers, Mixed, Commercial.

D. Lime: Association of Official Agricultural Chemists.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Material Certifications and Test Results:

1. Imported Topsoil:

a. Location of all sources

b. Certified report of chemical analysis from State Agricultural Experiment Station or approved agricultural laboratory performed not more than 60 days prior to date of submission, including acidity, salinity, fertility, texture, and recommended rate of application of lime and fertilizer to existing topsoil to sustain turf growth.

2. "Certified Sod": Official certification label and dated invoice, bill of lading or labeling information document.

3. Fertilizer and lime: Certification of chemical composition.

1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

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A. Screened Compost: Deliver in dry, unfrozen, completely composted condition.

B. Screened Leaf Mold: Deliver in dry, unfrozen, completely composted condition.

C. Topsoil: Deliver in dry, unfrozen condition.

D. Sod: Harvest and deliver within period of 24 hours and keep moist until placement.

E. Fertilizer: Deliver in unopened waterproof bags showing weight, chemical analysis, and name of manufacturer. Store in a manner to prevent wetting and deterioration.

F. Lime: Deliver in unopened waterproof bags showing weight, composition, texture, and name of manufacturer. Store in a manner to prevent wetting and deterioration.

PART 2. PRODUCTS

2.1 GROWING MEDIA

A. Screened Compost: ”James River Blends Organic Compost” as available through Environmental Solutions, Inc., 2423B Grenoble Road, Richmond, VA, 23294, (804) 672-7570, "Com-PRO Agricultural Compost" as available through Maryland Environmental Services, 2020 Industrial Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (301/261-8596) completely composted and free from all extraneous materials such as glass, paper, plastics, etc.

B. Screened Leaf Mold: As available from Maryland Environmental Services, 2020 Industrial

Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (301/261-8596) or approved equal, completely composted and free from all extraneous materials such as glass, paper, plastics, etc.

C. Imported Topsoil: Natural friable, fertile loam, possessing characteristics of the best soils of the vicinity, containing at least 2% organic matter, which produces a heavy growth of crops, grass and other vegetation. Reasonably free from subsoil, clay lumps, stones, stumps, roots, or similar objects larger than 1/2" in diameter, brush, weeds, Bermuda grass, litter, toxic substances, or other material harmful to plant growth or hindering grading, planting, or maintenance operations.

1. Soil Acidity Range: pH 6.0 - 7.0.

2. Soil Salinity: By electrical conductivity measurement, not to exceed 3 milliohms per centimeter at 25 degrees C as determined by the saturated soil test method described in USDA Circular No. 982.

3. Soil Fertility: "High" in natural nutrients based on the coordinated ratings in pounds per acre as established by the National Soil and Fertilizer Research Committee.

4. Soil Texture: 8 - 28% clay, 22-35% sand, and 28-50% silt as determined by buoyoucous hydrometer or decantation method.

D. Existing Topsoil

1. Natural, fertile agricultural soil, free from subsoil, slag, clay, stones, lumps, plants, roots, sticks, crabgrass, noxious weeds, and foreign matter if approved for use by Contracting Officer.

2. Do not shred and mix existing turf into existing topsoil.

PRPK 581 FOUO 329280 - 3

2.2 SOD

A. General:

1. Machine cut at uniform soil thickness of 3/4"(+-1/4") excluding top growth and thatch. Cut individual pieces at least 12" wide and of length such that each piece is at least 1/2 sq. yd.

Maximum allowable deviation from standard width is 5%.

2. Broken pieces and torn or uneven ends will not be accepted. Each piece of sod must be strong enough to support its own weight and retain its size and shape when suspended vertically from a firm grasp on the upper 10% of the piece.

3. Each load of "Certified Sod" or Certified Turf" shall be accompanied by, in the same vehicle, an official certification label and that label must be attached to a dated invoice, bill of lading or labeling information document.

B. Certified Sod

1. Sod provided must be State of Maryland Certified tall fescue blend of 90% tall fescue and

10% Kentucky Bluegrass. A certified tag must accompany sod for NPS approval. The sod is not to be netted. Only non-netted sod will be accepted. Obtain prior approval of grower/source from Contracting Officer.

2.1 FERTILIZER

A. Standard commercial mix of 10-10-10-grade, FS O-F-241, containing 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphoric acid and 10% potash; uniform in composition, dry and free flowing material suitable for application by a common fertilizer distributor or other approved equipment.

2.2 LIME

A. Finely ground agricultural dolomitic limestone, 90% calcium carbonate equivalent, conforming to standards of Association of Official Agricultural Chemists and meeting the following sieve analysis:

1. At least 98% passing a 20-mesh sieve and 50% passing a 100-mesh sieve.

PART 3. EXECUTION

3.1 PREPARATION OF SUB-GRADE

A. Protect existing underground improvements from damage.

B. Remove contaminated subsoil.

C. Thoroughly till areas to be sodded to a 6" minimum depth.

D. Remove foreign materials, plants, roots, stones and debris greater than 1" diameter and dispose of off-site. Do not bury foreign materials.

3.2 PREPARATION OF SOD BED

PRPK 581 FOUO 329280 - 4

A. Perform work during dry weather and on dry, unfrozen subgrade.

B. After areas to be sodded have been tilled, spread stockpiled topsoil and supplement with compost or imported topsoil to a minimum total depth of 3".

C. Grade finish surface of sod bed to smoothness comparable to results obtained by hand raking, leaving it clean and free of stones, debris and depressions.

D. Blend final grades with existing adjacent ones. Leave entire area drainable and free from abrupt changes in slope.

E. After preparation of finished surface, apply fertilizer evenly at rate of 10# per 1,000 sq. ft. and lightly rake into top 1" of soil.

3.3 LAYING SOD

A. Obtain approval of prepared sod bed from Contracting Officer prior to laying sod.

B. Lay sod within 12 hours after delivery to prevent deterioration.

C. Do not lay sod during freezing weather, when the sod or ground is frozen, or when the sodding areas are too wet or too dry.

D. Place sod by hand with close joints and not overlapping. Plug all gaps between sections of sod and openings at angles with compost-soil mixture or topsoil and pieces of sod cut to fit.

E. Install sod smooth and flush with adjoining paving and transition smoothly to existing grass areas.

F. Thoroughly water sod immediately after installation to a depth of 4".

G. After sod and soil have dried sufficiently to prevent damage, roll sodded areas to ensure good bondage between sod and soil and remove minor depressions and irregularities.

H. If sod workmanship is not satisfactory, take sod up and relay as directed by the Contracting Officer.

3.4 MAINTENANCE

A. Roll, water, mow and otherwise maintain all sodded areas a minimum of 30 days and until final acceptance of contract. Do not allow sod to dry out.

B. If requested by Contracting Officer, install post and rope barriers around sodded areas. Tie cloth or ribbon to rope at 10' intervals.

END OF SECTION

D. Lime: Association of Official Agricultural Chemists.