2019-01-17_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (2)

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5.4 Irrigated Pasture Seeding Procedures The optimum seeding season for establishment of irrigated pasture is during the spring as early as soil moisture conditions allow for tillage and seeding operations. As a result of irrigation, seeding may be carried out as late as June 15 or later if necessary. This will allow for a 100-120 day growing season, enough time to establish an adequate stand capable of over -wintering. During initial seeding of all Irrigated Pasture with the permanent seed mix, an annual companion grain cover crop of oats or barley will be used at the rate of 20 lbs per acre. This will provide rapid growth so little topsoil is lost to erosion while at the same time providing some nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. This practice will help rejuvenate soils that have been in stockpiles for long periods of time. At times, the size or shape of the re-topsoiled areas and shape of the reclaimed area in relation to a management unit may be insufficient to warrant establishment of the perennial irrigated pasture species initially. When this occurs, and the period before establishment of permanent irrigated pasture will extend beyond a year, Seed Mix #3 will be used. This mix will provide interim stabilization as well as organic matter benefits when incorporated during tillage and seedbed preparation prior to seeding of the irrigated pasture seed mixes. Seeding will be completed with a drill seeder that can drill the seeds into the ground to a depth that the species requires. Alternatively, a broadcast seeder may be used; if this is the case, seeds will be broadcasted at double the drill seed rate. A spring tooth harrow or other appropriate method will be used to cover the seed after broadcast application, if broadcast application is used. 5.5 Irrigated Pasture Revegetation Success Criteria and Success Demonstration Irrigated Pasture should be able to attain a good level of productivity with only one to two grasses and a legume under continuing and adequate management inputs. This includes scheduled irrigation; scheduled fertilization based on soils tests and plant needs, and grazing management or proper harvest methods. Scheduled fertilization of Irrigated Pasture is part of the normal husbandry applied to maintain vigor and productivity. The requirements for establishment of woody plant densities, species diversity, and seasonal variety are irrelevant to the Irrigated Pasture vegetation type and postmining land use. Therefore, the standards of revegetation success for the Irrigated Pasture type will be based on production and live cover. All local farmers harvest their irrigated fields at least one time during the year. There are a few farmers that attempt a second and third cutting but the majority of the production comes from the first cutting. The success standard for New Horizon's Irrigated Pasture will involve statistically adequate sampling based comparison to the approved reference area. The sampling will be conducted a single time prior to first cut harvest of the reclaimed fields. Page 26 May 2016 (TR -75)