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The overall composition and species diversity of the site is indicative of the generally poor <br />condition of the irrigated pasture type. Both Kentucky bluegrass and buckhorn plantain <br />dominate the composition of the stand and have frequencies of occurrence of about 90 percent <br />(see Table 2.04.10-5). The considerable presence of quackgrass, field bindweed, and <br />dandelion is also indicative of the deteriorated pasture condition. Most of the operators <br />contacted indicated that a standard pasture mix originally was used to establish most of the <br />pastures. Smooth brome (Bromopsis inermis ssp. inermis), orchardgrass, timothy, white Dutch <br />clover, and red clover occurred in the pasture type and are normally included in standard <br />irrigated pasture mixes. <br />The most productive, nutritious and easily managed irrigated pasture systems contain only one <br />or two grasses and a legume (Heath et al. 1985 and Stewart 1973). Proper stocking, grazing <br />rotations allowing for regrowth periods, grazing periods timed to irrigation frequencies, <br />controlling animal pressure during the off -grazing season, and fertilizer applications based on <br />soil tests are all components of good pasture management. Varying levels of these <br />management inputs are used by the local operators, but observations indicate none are at the <br />required levels. Woody densities within the irrigated pastures are incidental and a result of the <br />generally low level of management applied. Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana) is a common invader <br />shrub of irrigated pastures in the Nucla area, with Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) <br />occurring at lesser levels (see Attachment 2.04.10-8 Figure 4-2, formerly Peabody Appendix <br />10-4). <br />5.3 Irrinated Pasture - Hayland Type (IPH) The irrigated pasture hayland type occurs on a <br />variety of soils and landforms within the study area. Generally, the lands with less steep slopes <br />and deeper soils are selected, however, steeper slopes and shallow soils may be encountered <br />in any of these hay fields. With the exception of one operator, fields are periodically renovated <br />in order to maximize hay production and quality. Renovation is oriented towards removing <br />undesirable weedy or poor producing species, eliminating sod bound conditions, and <br />reestablishing an alfalfa (Medicago satira) dominated stand with one or two associated <br />grasses. The single operator who does not periodically renovate, manages his hay field as a <br />grass dominated stand with a clover sub -component. This field is similar in composition to the <br />better levels of irrigated pasture. Representative photographs of the irrigated hayland type <br />may be found in Attachment 2.04.10-8, formerly Peabody Appendix 10-4 (Figures 4-3 and 4-4 - <br />February 2015 (TR -66) 2.04.10-35 <br />