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4) The topsoil will be replaced in a uniform and smooth lift to material. <br /> 5) Soil testing maybe conducted on the topsoil because of the extensive earth moving and storage of <br /> the topsoil.The grass seed needs nutrients and moisture to germinate and grow. <br /> a) Native grasses in the seedling stage are not typically responsive to soil nitrogen. Most weed <br /> species can be very vigorous when soil nitrogen supplies are generous.Soil tests may show <br /> deficiencies of soil nutrients: phosphorus, potassium,sulfur, zinc.These deficiencies may be <br /> corrected by a fertilizer application prior to cover crop seeding or native grass seeding. <br /> b) Fertilizer is not recommended now, but in the future as reclamation progresses, it may be <br /> determined that fertilizer is needed to help in the establishment of a healthy stand of perennial <br /> grass.ASCI may add fertilizers and/or soils amendments, per the recommendation of an <br /> agronomist and the soil tests at the time. <br /> VEGETATION RECLAMATION—ASCI's reclamation plan for the surface of Mine Phase 2 through 4 and <br /> the mine buffers is general agriculture-dryland pasture.The dryland pasture will have vegetation that is <br /> diverse and capable of self-regeneration.The fill areas,as well as other disturbed areas,will be <br /> revegetated with non-irrigated native grass and forb seed mixes. Natives plant species are tolerant to <br /> extremes of heat or cold, drought and a variety of other harsh environmental conditions. <br /> PLANTING METHODS AND DEPTHS <br /> 1) ASCI will use two seeding methods which are drill seeding and broadcast seeding. Drill seeding <br /> places the seed in a firm seed bed,just under the surface.This supplies the best seed/soil contact <br /> and the highest success rates.ASCI will drill seed at rate of 12—16 pounds of pure live seed <br /> (pis)/acre. <br /> 2) ASCI will also use broadcast or hand seeding. Broadcast seed is applied directly to the soil surface at <br /> twice the drill seed rate or 24 to 32 pis/acre. Broadcast seeding will be used in isolated areas to fill in <br /> gaps in the seed coverage. <br /> 3) ASCI will use either a cover crop or native grass straw mulch to protect and enhance the success of <br /> the reclamation grass/forb establishment. <br /> 4) Seed planting depths will be reviewed and taken into consideration prior to planting. Native grass <br /> seed should not be planted too deep and is typically between Y to%inch below the ground surface. <br /> 5) Access roads and/or fire lanes will be constructed through areas to be planted,as necessary. <br /> 6) Reclamation will not include trees or shrubs. <br /> 7) Grazing will not occur until the vegetation is regenerating with good grass ground cover. <br /> S) ASCI will employ the right techniques of site preparation to ensure a diverse and long-lasting <br /> vegetative cover(e.g.,spraying herbicides, burning, discing, crimping, ripping, mulching,soil <br /> amendments and fertilizers). <br /> 9) ASCI will watch the progress of revegetation and implement weed control practices that are proper <br /> for any areas infested by noxious weed species. <br /> SEEDING RATES <br /> 1) Drill seeding: 12-16 pounds pure live seed (pis)/acre <br /> 2) Broadcast seeding: 24-32 pis/acre <br /> 3) Cover crop seeding:5-10 pounds/acre <br /> NATIVE GRASS AND FORBS <br /> 1) NATIVE GRASS AND FORBS-Natives plant species are tolerant to extremes of heat or cold, drought <br /> and a variety of other harsh environmental conditions.The dryland pasture will have vegetation that <br /> is diverse and capable of self-regeneration. Native species generally have small seeds and require <br /> H:\Pits HBP Plants\EVANS\Stiles Mining Resource\Exh E Reclamation\Exhibit E Reclamation Plan.docx <br />