Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Which method involves planting young plants in the treated area?

1. Seeding

2. Sprigging

3. Sodding

4. Planting a shrub or tree

The correct answer is: Sprigging

Sprigging is a method that involves planting young plants or vegetative materials, typically small pieces of sod or cuttings, in prepared soil. This technique establishes ground cover and vegetation in an area, often used to stabilize soil and control erosion in stormwater management practices. The young plants take root in the soil, promoting the growth of grass or other vegetation, which plays a crucial role in filtering stormwater and enhancing the ecology of the area. In contrast, seeding typically involves scattering seeds over a treated area, which can take longer to establish vegetation compared to sprigging. Sodding involves laying pre-grown grass turf on the ground, which provides immediate coverage but requires significant preparation and resources. Planting a shrub or tree focuses specifically on larger plants and may not cover the ground in the same way that sprigging would by utilizing smaller, rapidly establishing plants. Thus, sprigging is particularly effective for creating dense plant cover promptly in areas requiring stabilization or erosion control.