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RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR GRASS SEEDING <br />COVER CROP: If possible, plant a cover crop of hybrid or long season grain sorghum, or forage sorghum from <br />mid-May to mid-June before planting grass during winter. This cover will hold the soil and grass seed in place <br />while the grass becomes established. If necessary, maw the cover crop before physiological maturity is reached <br />to a height of 12" to 18" to prevent sorghum seed from sprouting next summer. Seeding rates should be four to <br />eight pounds per ac: e, with the higher seeding rates used on sandy soils. Planting should be done from <br />northeast to southwest if possible, or west to east if nat. <br />PLANTING: Sometime between November 1 and April 30 when the ground is not frozen, plant the grass 1/4 to <br />3/4 inches deep in seven inch to twelve inch rows. Planting should be done from northeast to southwest if <br />passible, or from west to east if not. Use a grass drill equipped with an agitator box, depth bands, and double <br />disk furrow openers with the drop tube placement direcily between the disks. Use the seeding rates shown below <br />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 <br />broadcast over the site using twice the rate shown below. The soil should be raked and packed after broadcast <br />seeding. <br />MULCHING: New seedings not planted into a cover crop should be protected by a mulch of 4000 ponds per acre <br />of weed-free native grass hay crimped into the soil surface. Crimping the hay into the soil surface will help <br />prevent it and the grass seed from blowing away. It will also slaw evaporation which will leave more water far <br />seed germination, and will retard weed germination and growth. Weed free straw can be used instead of grass <br />hay if grass hay~is not available. Tackiher can 6e sprayed on the mulch to prevent blowing if crimping is not <br />practical. <br />WATER EROSION: Mulching may not be enough to prevent erasion on steep slopes or in areas of periodic water <br />Flow. In these areas, install silt fences perpendicular to the direction of water flaw. This will help to prevent water <br />from building up enough force as it flows to wash out the mulch or grass seed. <br />FERTILIZER: Because many weed species emerge before the grass will, any fertilizer applied will be utilized by <br />the weeds, making them more competitive. Fertilizer is recommended only after a soil testis performed to <br />determine the amount to apply. <br />WEED CONTROL: Mowing is the recommended method of weed control until the grass seedlings have reached <br />the five leaf growth stage. Mowing off the tops of the grass plants should be avoided. Timeliness of any weed <br />control operation is essential. Contact Colorado Stale University Cooperative Extension for herbicide <br />recommendations and best time for weed control. Weeds will need to be controlled 6y mowing or herbicides until <br />the grasses are established, usually the first four years after planting for native species (two years for introduced <br />species). Once established, the grass can withstand traffic and grazing. <br />COOLEY RESERVOIR MIX A <br />SPECIES VARIETY PLS,Y PERCENT PLS~/AC <br />Crested wheatgrass Nordan 5.0 100 5.0 <br />These are general recommendations which should be tailored to each individual site according to future use, <br />length or desired establishment time, available water, eic. For rurther information, contact the Natural Resources <br />Conservation Service at 1303) c59-4177. <br />THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONS'cRVATION SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER <br />