Information AboutSod |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SOD | |
| construction | |
| fortification | |
| lawn care | |
| landscape architecture | |
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Sod is turf and the part of the Soil beneath it held together by the Root s, or a piece of this material. Sod is grown on sod or turf farms. Most sod is grown locally to avoid long transport and drying out of the product. It is sold to Landscapers or home owners who use it to establish a lawn quickly and avoid soil erosion. The farms that produce this grass may have many varieties of grass grown in one location to best suit the consumer's use and preference of appearance. It is usually harvested a year after planting. On the farm it undergoes fertilization, frequent watering, frequent mowing and subsequent vacuuming to remove the clippings. It is harvested using specialized equipment with precision adequate to cut standardized sizes. Sod is typically harvested in small square slabs, rolled small rectangles, or large 4 foot wide rolls. Some large sod farms may export internationally. Because of the product's short life after harvest, the sod may be washed clean of the soil down to the bare roots, or sprigs. It makes shipping lighter and cheaper. When applying sod, application of starter fertilizer with a 1-1-1 ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium may be recommended. The Phosphorus will assist with root development which is important for the successful establishment of sod. Be sure to lightly rake the fertilizer into the soil to minimize the fertilizer from coming in contact directly with the roots and causing possible root burning. When applying sod to slopes be sure to lay the sod perpendicular to the direction of the slope. This will help prevent rain water from washing out the sod. If necessary, apply sod staples to hold the sod in place. Water well, but do not over water - it is important to encourage the roots to "look" for water on their own and grow into the soil. Since high quality sod is relatively expensive compared to starting a new lawn by seed, newly transplanted sod is occasionally rolled up and stolen.1 This, of course, would not happen when establishing a lawn by traditional seeding or Hydroseeding methods. The benefits of installing turf versus seeding may outweigh the cost depending on the individual, and mother nature. Many seeded yards need re-seeding or overseeding when seeds do not germinate, soil erosion, or wind takes its toll. Newly laid sod can instantly increase a home's property value as well. It is usually fully functional within 30 days of installation with proper care and its root system is said to be 2 to 3 years in advance of a seeded lawn. AS A BUILDING MATERIAL , 1901]] Sod has occasionally been cut out in blocks to use as a Building Material , especially in Grassland s where grass is plentiful and few other materials are available. For use as a building material, sods are cut out in regular block shapes and laid like Brickwork , although for strength blocks of sod are usually much longer and wider than typical Brick s. This construction was common during nineteenth century settlement of the Canadian and American Prairie s. Common dimensions of sod blocks used in these pioneer abodes were 2 ft by 1 ft by 6 in (600 × 300 × 150 Mm ). Cutting sods for building may be done with a Spade and Axe , but for large scale work a modified Plough is used. The bare sod is prone to damage from Rain or being knocked down, so the outer walls are usually protected with a layer of Stucco or wood paneling. Similarly, bare sod inside is dirty, so the interior may be lined with Canvas , tarpaper, or Plaster . A variety of roofing methods can be used, and the house can be fitted with conventional Window s and Door s. Sod houses have the advantages of being very cheap, and well Insulated , so that they are cool in summer and warm in winter. The main disadvantages are that they tend to be damp, and deteriorate quickly unless maintained. Sod has also been used in Fortification . Blockhouse s have been constructed from sod, and it has also been used to make very effective Berm s or low Defensive Wall s. The Antonine Wall was largely made from sod. Because of the cheapness of sod, these walls could easily be made thick enough to be Bullet proof. CUTTING THE FIRST SOD At the beginning of a prestigious building project there is often a ceremonial occasion attended by local dignitaries. A senior dignitary is often given the honour of Cutting the first sod, marking the official beginning of the project. SEE ALSO REFERENCES http://www.barryssod.com Barry's Sod website. One of the nations premier sod installers. Based in Tulsa. |
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