Laserfiche WebLink
1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br />species will be better established from local seed blown <br />onto the site during the reclamation period for two reasons. <br />First, the nature of sagebrush seed and, probably, rabbitbrush <br />seed, demands extremely shallow planting and, at least for <br />sagebrush, light is necessary for germination. Thus, seed <br />blown into the site is more likely to have the shallow depth <br />of surface penetration and proper access to light. Second, <br />the local ecotypes of these species are more assured of <br />prospering than commercial seed which may not have even been <br />collected from Colorado sources. Use of so diverse a mix as <br />proposed here will necessitate some flexibility in species <br />and amounts as dictated by changes in commercial availability. <br />METHOD OF SEEDING <br />Seeding will proceed primarily using drilling since slopes will <br />be mostly gentle. Drilling will be accomplished using a rangeland <br />drill with depth bands and packer wheels or using a similarly <br />modified grain drill. In areas broadcast seeded, seeding will <br />proceed immediately following topsoiling to take advantage of <br />the freshly disturbed surface which will provide the best catch <br />of seed in this condition. If the soil has crusted before <br />sowing, it will first be roughened by raking, harrowing, or <br />by using a chaindrag. Following broadcast, the seed will be <br />lightly covered by raking or harrowing. <br />MULCHING <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />Mulching will be accomplished using crimped straw. Prior to <br />seeding, clean straw (or native hay) will be spread at the rate <br />of 3,000 lbs. per acre and crimped into the surface using a <br />notched disc or similar implement where slopes permit. On any <br />slopes too steep for equipment, straw will be spread and <br />anchored with plastic netting. Alternatively, a stubble mulch <br />of barley or rye may be drilled in spring and mowed if necessary <br />to prevent reseeding. Seeding of perennials would follow in fall. <br />FERTILIZATION <br />Prior to reseeding, stored topsoil will be sampled for nitrate <br />nitrogen and phosphorous content. Results of this analysis will <br />be used to recommend rates of fertilization. If phosphorous <br />fertilization is indicated, an appropriate commercial product <br />such as treble superphosphate will be broadcast on the respread <br />topsoil and worked into the soil using a harrow or similar <br />implement. Nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonium nitrate, will <br />be applied during the first growing season following planting. <br />Nitrogen fertilizer will be applied sparingly since native species <br />have a relatively limited capacity to respond and over-fertilization <br />encourages unwanted weed growth. Maintenance fertilization during <br />the three years following revegetation will be undertaken on an <br />as-needed basis. <br />E-5 <br />