2003-02-12_REVISION - M1999034 (2)

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RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR GRASS SEEDING COVER CROP: If possible, plant a cover crop of hybrid or long season grain sorghum, or forage sorghum from mid-May to mid-June before planting grass during winter. Thls cover will hold the soil and grass seed in place while the grass becomes established. If necessary, maw the cover crap before physiological maturity is reached to a height of 12" to 18" to prevent sorghum seed from sprouting next summer. Seeding rates should be four to eight pounds per acre, with the higher seeding rates used on sandy soils. Planting should be done from northeast to southwest if possible, or west to east if not. PLANTING: Sometime between November 1 and April 30 when the ground is not frozen, plant the grass 1/4 to 3/4 inches deep in seven inch to twelve inch rows. Planting should be done from northeast to southwest if possible, or from west to east if not. Use a grass drill equipped with an agitator box, depth bands, and double disk furrow openers with the drop tube placement directly between the disks. Use the seeding rates shown below if the seed will be planted with a grass drill. If the site is too steep or rocky to use a grass drill, the seed can be broadcast over the siie using twice the rate shown oeiow. The soli should be razed and pacxeo after broadcast seeding. MULCHING: New seedings not planted into a cover crop should be protected by a mulch of 4000 ponds per acre of weed-free native grass hay crimped into the soil surface. Crimping the hay into the soil surface will help prevent it and the grass seed from blowing away. It will also slaw evaporation which will leave mare water for seed germination, and will retard weed germination and growth. Weed free straw can be used instead of grass hay if grass hay is not available. Tackifier can be sprayed on the mulch to prevent blowing if crimping is not practical. WATER EROSION: Mulching may not be enough to prevent erasion on steep slopes or in areas of periodic water flow. In these areas, install silt fences perpendicular to the direcfion of water flow. This will help to prevent water from building up enough force as it flows to wash out the mulch or grass seed. FERTILIZER: Because many weed species emerge before the grass will, any fertilizer applied will be utilized by the weeds, making them more competitive. Fertilizer is recommended only after a soil test is performed to determine the amount to apply. WEED CONTROL: Mowing is the recommended method of weed control until the grass seedlings have reached the five leaf growth stage. Mowing off the tops of the grass plants should be avoided. Timeliness of any weed control operation is essential. Contact Colorado State University Cooperative Extension for herbicide recommendations and best time for weed control. Weeds will need to be controlled by mowing or herbicides until the grasses are established, usually the first four years after planting for native species (two years for introduced species). Once established, the grass can withstand traffic and grazing. GOOLEY RESERVOIR MIX C SPECIES VARIETY PLS# PERCENT PLS#/AC Tall wheatgrass Jose 11.0 100 11.0 These are general recommendations which should'oe tailored to each individual site according to future use, length of desired establishment time, available water, etc. For further information, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service at (303) 659-4177. THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER