USACE / NAVFAC / AFCESA / NASA UFGS 32 92 23 (April 2006) ------------------------------ Preparing Activity: NAVFAC Replacing without change UFGS-02922 (May 2004) UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS References are in agreement with UMRL dated January 2009 SECTION 32 92 23 SODDING 04/06 NOTE: This guide specification covers the requirements for sod. Edit this guide specification for project specific requirements by adding, deleting, or revising text. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert appropriate information. Remove information and requirements not required in respective project, whether or not brackets are present. Comments and suggestions on this guide specification are welcome and should be directed to the technical proponent of the specification. A listing of technical proponents, including their organization designation and telephone number, is on the Internet. Recommended changes to a UFGS should be submitted as a Criteria Change Request (CCR). NOTE: The following information shall be shown on the project drawings: 1. Clearly indicate all areas to be sodded and if more than one type of sod is specified, delineate areas for each type. 2. All draft sod specifications shall be submitted to the cognizant Landscape Architect/Natural Resources Specialist for review to ensure that the specifications are in accordance with environmental conditions peculiar to the project areas. PART 1 GENERAL 1.1 REFERENCES NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the publications cited in the text of the guide specification. The publications are referred to in the text by basic designation only and listed in this paragraph by organization, designation, date, and title. Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature when you add a RID outside of the Section's Reference Article to automatically place the reference in the Reference Article. Also use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature to update the issue dates. References not used in the text will automatically be deleted from this section of the project specification when you choose to reconcile references in the publish print process. The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only. ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM) ASTM C 602(2007) Agricultural Liming Materials ASTM D 4427(2007) Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing ASTM D 4972(2001; R 2007) pH of Soils TURFGRASS PRODUCERS INTERNATIONAL (TPI) TPI GSS(1995) Guideline Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) DOA SSIR 42(1996) Soil Survey Investigation Report No. 42, Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Version 3.0 1.2 DEFINITIONS 1.2.1 Stand of Turf 100 percent ground cover of the established species. 1.3 RELATED REQUIREMENTS Section 32 92 19 SEEDING, Section 32 93 00 EXTERIOR PLANTS, with additions and modifications herein. 1.4 SUBMITTALS NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES and edit the following list to reflect only the submittals required for the project. Submittals should be kept to the minimum required for adequate quality control. A “G” following a submittal item indicates that the submittal requires Government approval. Some submittals are already marked with a “G”. Only delete an existing “G” if the submittal item is not complex and can be reviewed through the Contractor’s Quality Control system. Only add a “G” if the submittal is sufficiently important or complex in context of the project. For submittals requiring Government approval on Army projects, a code of up to three characters within the submittal tags may be used following the "G" designation to indicate the approving authority. Codes for Army projects using the Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for Architect-Engineer; "DO" for District Office (Engineering Division or other organization in the District Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for Resident Office; and "PO" for Project Office. Codes following the "G" typically are not used for Navy, Air Force, and NASA projects. Choose the first bracketed item for Navy, Air Force and NASA projects, or choose the second bracketed item for Army projects. Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation are for Contractor Quality Control approval. When used, a designation following the "G" designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government. The following shall be submitted in accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES: _{SD-03 Product Data Fertilizer} Include physical characteristics, and recommendations. _{SD-06 Test Reports} NOTE: In states that require certification, adjust testing requirements to suit local conditions. _{Topsoil composition tests} (reports and recommendations). _{SD-07 Certificates} Sod farm certification for _sods. Indicate type of sod in accordance with TPI GSS. 1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING 1.5.1 Delivery 1.5.1.1 Sod Protection NOTE: If sod is to be delivered in quantity over considerable distance, specify trucking in vans equipped with temperature control. Protect from drying out and from contamination during delivery, on-site storage, and handling. 1.5.1.2 Fertilizer Delivery Deliver to the site in original, unopened containers bearing manufacturer's chemical analysis, name, trade name, trademark, and indication of conformance to state and federal laws. Instead of containers, fertilizer may be furnished in bulk with certificate indicating the above information. 1.5.2 Storage 1.5.2.1 Sod Storage Lightly sprinkle with water, cover with moist burlap, straw, or other approved covering; and protect from exposure to wind and direct sunlight until planted. Provide covering that will allow air to circulate so that internal heat will not develop. Do not store sod longer than 24 hours. Do not store directly on concrete or bituminous surfaces. 1.5.2.2 Topsoil Prior to stockpiling topsoil, treat growing vegetation with application of appropriate specified non-selective herbicide. Clear and grub existing vegetation three to four weeks prior to stockpiling topsoil. 1.5.2.3 Handling Do not drop or dump materials from vehicles. 1.6 TIME RESTRICTIONS AND PLANTING CONDITIONS NOTE: Check with the local Agriculture County Extension Service to determine proper planting seasons for species specified. 1.6.1 Restrictions Do not plant when the ground is frozen, snow covered, muddy, or when air temperature exceeds [32] [____] degrees Celsius 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 1.7 TIME LIMITATIONS 1.7.1 Sod Place sod a maximum of thirty six hours after initial harvesting, in accordance with TPI GSS as modified herein. PART 2 PRODUCTS 2.1 _SODS NOTE: The specific species and varieties used should be based on recommendations of the local Agriculture County Extension Service Office. Modify sod thickness as required for species specified. State certified is usually more stringently monitored than State approved, and therefore more expensive. 2.1.1 Classification Nursery grown, certified as classified in the TPI GSS. Machine cut sod at a uniform thickness of 19 mm 3/4 inch within a tolerance of 6 mm 1/4 inch, excluding top growth and thatch. Each individual sod piece shall be strong enough to support its own weight when lifted by the ends. Broken pads, irregularly shaped pieces, and torn or uneven ends will be rejected.[Wood pegs and wire staples for anchorage shall be as recommended by sod supplier.] 2.1.2 Purity Sod species shall be genetically pure, free of weeds, pests, and disease. 2.1.3 Planting Dates Lay sod from Mar. 1 to July 15 for warm season spring planting and from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 for cool season fall planting. 2.1.4 Composition 2.1.4.1 Proportion Proportion grass species as follows.         Common Name          Percent:         Centipede            100%  2.3 TOPSOIL NOTE: If topsoil properties are included in another section of Division 2, delete this paragraph and include a cross-reference to the appropriate section. Otherwise, select appropriate paragraphs on topsoil. Check with the local Agriculture County Extension Service Office for soil properties appropriate for the plant materials to be planted. Where suitable topsoil is available within limits of the work area, stripping and stockpiling of topsoil should be included in the applicable section of Division 2 of the specification. If suitable topsoil is not available within the limits of the work area, it should generally be the Contractor's option to either treat the soil of the graded areas with fertilizer and supplements so as to be conducive to turf establishment and maintenance, or to transport topsoil to the project site. Modify pH range for specified turf and geographical requirements. 2.3.1 On-Site Topsoil Surface soil stripped and stockpiled on site and modified as necessary to meet the requirements specified for topsoil in paragraph entitled "Composition." When available topsoil shall be existing surface soil stripped and stockpiled on-site in accordance with Section 31 23 00.00 20 EXCAVATION AND FILL. 2.3.2 Off-Site Topsoil Conform to requirements specified in paragraph entitled "Composition." Additional topsoil shall be furnished by the Contractor. 2.3.3 Composition Containing from 5 to 10 percent organic matter as determined by the _{topsoil composition tests} of the Organic Carbon, 6A, Chemical Analysis Method described in DOA SSIR 42. Maximum particle size, 19 mm 3/4 inch, with maximum 3 percent retained on 6 mm 1/4 inch screen. The pH shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 4972. Topsoil shall be free of sticks, stones, roots, and other debris and objectionable materials. Other components shall conform to the following limits: Silt 25-50 percent Clay 10-30 percent Sand 20-35 percent pH 5.5 to 7.0 Soluble Salts 600 ppm maximum 2.4 SOIL CONDITIONERS NOTE: Prior to including these provisions in project specifications, perform tests of on-site topsoil to determine its suitability and the possible need of pH adjusters or soil conditioners. Add conditioners to topsoil as required to bring into compliance with "composition" standard for topsoil as specified herein. 2.4.1 Lime NOTE: Use ASTM C 602 calcium carbonate equivalent (C.C.E.) as specified in Table 1: for burnt lime, C.C.E. shall not be less than 140 percent; for hydrated lime, C.C.E. shall not be less than 110 percent; and for limestone, C.C.E. shall not be less than 80 percent. Commercial grade hydrate or burnt limestone containing a calcium carbonate equivalent (C.C.E.) as specified in ASTM C 602 of not less than 80 percent. 2.5 _FERTILIZER NOTE: Check with the local Agriculture County Extension Service Office for recommended fertilizer mixture for local conditions. 2.5.1 Granular Fertilizer synthetic, granular controlled release fertilizer containing the following minimum percentages, by weight, of plant food nutrients: 13 percent available nitrogen 13 percent available phosphorus 13 percent available potassium 2.6 WATER NOTE: When water is Government furnished, locate the source. Recycled or reclaimed irrigation water may be available through a tertiary treatment plant on or off site. It is preferred that this type of water be used for irrigation whenever possible. Check project specific conditions. Unless otherwise directed, water shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Water source shall be potable or non-potable. If non-potable edit specification accordingly. Source of water shall be approved by the Contracting Officer and shall be of suitable quality for irrigation, containing no elements toxic to plant life. Coordinate information presented here with Section 01 50 00.00 20, TEMPORARY FACILITIES AND CONTROLS. Source of water shall be approved by Contracting Officer and of suitable quality for irrigation containing no element toxic to plant life. PART 3 EXECUTION 3.1 PREPARATION 3.1.1 EXTENT OF WORK Provide soil preparation (including soil conditioners), fertilizing, and sodding of all newly graded finished earth surfaces, unless indicated otherwise, and at all areas inside or outside the limits of construction that are disturbed by the Contractor's operations. 3.1.2 Soil Preparation NOTE: Elevation of subgrade will vary depending upon the needs for additional topsoil, sod, or other treatment. Provide 102 mm4 inches of on-site topsoil to meet indicated finish grade. After areas have been brought to indicated finish grade, incorporate fertilizer into soil a minimum depth of [100] [_____] mm 4 inches by disking, harrowing, tilling or other method approved by the Contracting Officer. Remove debris and stones larger than 19 mm 3/4 inch in any dimension remaining on the surface after finish grading. Correct irregularities in finish surfaces to eliminate depressions. Protect finished topsoil areas from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic. 3.1.2.1 Soil Conditioner Application Rates NOTE: Check with the local Agriculture County Extension Service and specify amounts applicable for the project area. Apply soil conditioners at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site. For bidding purposes only apply at rates for the following: Lime [_____] kg per square meter4000 pounds per acre 3.1.2.2 Fertilizer Application Rates NOTE: Check with the local Agriculture County Extension Service and specify amounts applicable for the project area. Apply fertilizer at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site. For bidding purposes only apply at rates for the following: Synthetic Granular Fertilizer [_____] kg per square meter600 pounds per acre. 3.2 SODDING 3.2.1 Finished Grade and Topsoil NOTE: Coordinate the placement of topsoil with Section 31 00 00 EARTHWORK. Coordinate the topsoil requirements with Sections 32 92 91, SEEDING; 32 92 26, SPRIGGING; and 32 93 00, EXTERIOR PLANTS. Prior to the commencement of the sodding operation, the Contractor shall verify that finished grades are as indicated on drawings; the placing of topsoil, smooth grading, and compaction requirements have been completed in accordance with Section 31 23 00.00 20 EXCAVATION AND FILL. The prepared surface shall be a maximum 25 mm1 inch below the adjoining grade of any surfaced area. New surfaces shall be blended to existing areas. The prepared surface shall be completed with a light raking to remove from the surface debris and stones over a minimum 16 mm5/8 inch in any dimension. 3.2.2 Placing Place sod a maximum of 36 hours after initial harvesting, in accordance with TPI GSS as modified herein. 3.2.3 Sodding Slopes and Ditches For slopes 2:1 and greater, lay sod with long edge perpendicular to the contour. For V-ditches and flat bottomed ditches, lay sod with long edge perpendicular to flow of water. On slope areas, start sodding at bottom of the slope. 3.2.4 Finishing After completing sodding, blend edges of sodded area smoothly into surrounding area. Air pockets shall be eliminated and a true and even surface shall be provided. Frayed edges shall be trimmed and holes and missing corners shall be patched with sod. 3.2.5 Rolling Immediately after sodding, firm entire area except for slopes in excess of 3 to 1 with a roller not exceeding [134] [_____] kg per m 90 pounds for each foot of roller width. 3.2.6 Watering Start watering areas sodded as required by daily temperature and wind conditions. Apply water at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to minimum depth of [150] [_____] mm 6 inches. Run-off, puddling, and wilting shall be prevented. Unless otherwise directed, watering trucks shall not be driven over turf areas. Watering of other adjacent areas or plant material shall be prevented. 3.3 PROTECTION OF TURF AREAS Immediately after turfing, protect area against traffic and other use. 3.5 RESTORATION Restore to original condition existing turf areas which have been damaged during turf installation operations. Keep clean at all times at least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building. Clean other paving when work in adjacent areas is complete.