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USDA <br /> i <br /> United States Department of Agriculture <br /> Natural Resources Conservation Service Phone: 970-854-2812 Ext. 3 <br /> Holyoke Field Office www.co.nres.gov <br /> 1280 SW Interocean Drive <br /> Holyoke, CO 80734 <br /> August 30, 2016 <br /> Randy Schafer <br /> Ward Gravel Pit recommendation NW NW 31-9N-43W <br /> The information requested is included. I have made a 19.8 acre seed mix and a one acre of the <br /> same mix. If your acreage changes simply take the one acre recommendation and multiply by <br /> the acres to be seeded for the proper rate. Or you may contact us for an updated mix. <br /> Slopes and Top Soil: <br /> The topsoil should be returned to the area after all mining operations are completed, the area <br /> shaped and graded with no slopes exceeding 3:1. After scarifying the slopes a minimum of three <br /> inches deep, the top soil should be spread over any disturbed area six to twelve inches deep. <br /> Cover Crop: <br /> After the topsoil has been spread over the areas to be reclaimed, it should be planted to a cover <br /> crop. This will hold the soil and help with weed pressure. The recommendation is to use a <br /> sterile or hybrid forage sorghum. The should be seeded at 3 to 5 pounds per acre. A warm <br /> season sterile sudan may be used at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per acre seeding rate. Seeding <br /> around mid June to mid July has resulted in the best cover crops. A crop height of two to three <br /> feet is adequate. DO NOT mow the cover crop as this will make drilling very difficult. Tall <br /> cover can be drilled though if it is attached to the soil. <br /> Fertilizer is not needed if the soil is evenly distributed over the area. <br /> Grass seeding should be done between Nov 1 and Apr 30. Seeding should not be done when the <br /> ground is frozen. Seeding should be done in a cover crop of clean, weed free sorghum or sudan. <br /> Weeds can be controlled by mowing. Mow only if there is a risk of weeds breaking loose and <br /> rolling or tumbling that would cause problems in fences, tree rows, homesteads, etc. These <br /> would include kochia and Russian thistle. The mowing height should be eight to twelve inches <br /> to minimize the scalding/scorching of the grass seedlings. Chemical weed control should be <br /> avoided due to both grasses and broadleaf plants in the mix. <br /> Call if you have any questions. <br /> Joe Crowder <br /> NRCS <br /> Helping People Help the Land <br /> USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer <br />