2014-10-07_PERMIT FILE - C1981018A (3)

Home Browse Search

V.1.4 Site Preparation Techniques and Materials General guidelines are followed in the preparation of site specific planting plans to be used for each area requiring revegetation. An example of the planting plan used is shown on Table V -9. The guidelines employed in the preparation of each planting plan are given below. V.1.4.a Seed Selection. Seed mixtures are developed based upon general site characteristics, reclamation objectives, commercial availability of the desired plant materials, and past experience on site or at other similar sites. One of the key aspects of developing a successful seed mix is the selection of a highly diverse array of potentially adapted species. Many factors determine which species successfully establish for a given site at a certain time. These factors include: • Soil texture. • Soil fertility. • Depth to a restricting layer in the soil profile. • Chemical restrictions such as pH and salinity. • retention. • Symbiotic rhizobial relationships. • The influence of slope and aspect on soil temperature and evapotranspiration. • Competition from pioneer species (weeds). • Seasonality of precipitation. Duration of ideal germination and seedling establishment conditions. • Interspecies competition from within the seed mix. • Seed dispersal from other species from adjacent lands. • Agronomic practices such as seed bed preparation. • Etc. • Some of these factors can be measured ahead of time for the broad scope of a revegetation project but unique inclusions and microsites frequently are overlooked when using a site specific approach. Most factors we can only make an educated guess at. The situation becomes even more complex when factors start to interact and compound. The complexity of the controlling factors dictates the need for diverse seed mixes to achieve the success criteria. The greater the influence the adjacent vegetation has on a given site decreases the need for additional species in a seed mix. Voids in filling minor niches will allow native species from adjacent lands to establish. Tables V -10 and V -11 provide a list of revegetation species and recommended seed mixes for large permanent sites, small and linear sites, and interim and drill sites. These mixes were formulated to be adapted to the wide range of conditions that occur at the Deserado Mine. The locations to which these mixes apply are further explained on Table V -15. Interim sites refer to areas revegetated to stabilize the area but where future disturbances and subsequent permanent revegetation are planned. Mid -Term Review 2002 (8/2002) V -35