In September 2020, a once depleted land in Strathcona County, Alberta, named Rupert Slope, began its journey towards revival. This 500 m² area southeast of Edmonton had suffered from erosion and nutrient depletion over the years. Installation was completed by Farlinger & Associates Ltd. using a FINN T-120 Hydroseeder, and the newly introduced product to the market, ProGanics DUAL, to help provide both erosion protection and accelerate seed germination in a nutrient and topsoil-depleted area.
ProGanics DUAL is an environmentally friendly, hydraulically applied product formulated to efficiently accelerate development of depleted soils and accelerate vegetative establishment while simultaneously providing highly effective erosion protection in a single application.
SITE PREPARATION COMPLETED | SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Installation Process
Proper planning is vital in the success of any project, starting with conversations between the land owner, the contractor, and BrettYoung to properly outline project goals.
To determine the ideal application rate of ProGanics DUAL, two soil samples were taken prior to installation. It was found that the soil conditions were high in clay (>46%) and low in organic matter (<1.4%) and that the slope gradient was approximately 3H:1V. Based on these factors, the recommended application rate was 6150 kg/ha (5500 lbs/acre), requiring 14 bales of ProGanics DUAL.
Soil sampling was also leveraged for seeding, determining a recommended seeding rate of 100 kg/ha. BrettYoung’s custom seed mix included:
- Fescues (for drought tolerance),
- Clover (to fix soil nitrogen),
- Ryegrass (for quick establishment to suppress weeds).
No topsoil was placed on the slope. The slope was graded, smoothed, and cat-tracked to remove erosion rills or settling. No additional soil amendments were added to the slurry.
Installation took approximately one hour for two loads, using a nearby water source. No off-site travel was needed. The contractor and distributor inspected the installation and found it to be evenly distributed.
Custom Reclamation Mix – Rupert Slope
- 29% Aberdeen Creeping Red Fescue
- 14% Sheep Fescue
- 14% Sword Hard Fescue
- 20% Shadow III Chewings Fescue
- 10% Diploid Annual Ryegrass
- 8% Triumphant Perennial Ryegrass
- 5% Alsike Clover
INSTALLATION | SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
Follow-up Visits
Three follow-up visits were conducted:
July 2022: Further growth and stabilization observed, aided by rainfall. Fescue and clover well-established. No erosion in slope or swale. Some weed volunteers noted.
October 2020: Grass was growing but not yet established. Site left over winter.
May 2022: Major transformation noted. Some pine damage from 2021 tree planting. Ryegrass dying off; fescues and clover thriving. No erosion observed.
Conclusion
The landowner was very pleased with the results. No topsoil or ongoing maintenance (beyond light mowing) was needed. No erosion was observed, and grass, clover, and pine trees were well-established by the second full growing season. The site is considered stable and complete for long-term sustainability.
Talk to your BrettYoung Representative today to learn more about ProGanics DUAL.
