by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Use Minimally
Agricultural Extension Services across the United States suggest uniformly spreading one to two bales of straw (60 to 80 pounds) per 1,000 square feet of newly seeded grass. The rule of thumb says that when you look down on your seeded area, you should see an even distribution--half soil and half straw.
On the Other: Use Enough
The top half-inch of soil must be kept moist until the seeds germinate and emerge. There should be enough straw mulch to keep the seeds in place--that is, away from birds and protected from the wind.
Bottom Line
The seeds and seedling need to be protected from sunlight, but not so heavily that the coverage stops the growth process of the seeds or causes too much water retention in the soil. Remove straw if it was applied too heavily or if piled by the wind. Add straw if applied too lightly and the soil starts to dry or seedlings start to wither.
Source:
Benefits to Compost Use on Roadside Applications
Ohio Agricultural Extension Service The Ohio State University Bulletin
North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service Lawn and Garden
Resource:
Seattle P Patch Community Gardening
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