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RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR GRASS SEE9ING <br />COVER CROP: If possible, plant a cover c: op 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 soii and grass seed in place <br />while the grass becomes established. If necessary, mow 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 tc <br />eight pounds per acre, with the higher seeding rates used on sandy soils. Planting should be done from <br />northeast to southwest if passible, or west to east If not. <br />PLANTING: Sometime between November 1 and April 30 when the ground is not frozen, plant the grss 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 directly between the disks. Use the seeding rates shown below <br />'rf 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 />breadca5 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 slow evaporation which will leave mare water for <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. 7ackiner can he sprayed on the mulch to prevent blowing if crimping is not <br />practical. <br />WATER EROSION: Mulching may not be enoueh to prevent erosicn on steep slopes or in areas of periodic water <br />rlow. In these areas, install silt fences perpendicular to the direction of water rlow. This will help to prevent water <br />from building up enough farce 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 mare competitive. Fertilizer is recommended only after a sail test is 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 rive leaf growth stage. Mowing orf the tops of the grass plants should be avoided. Timeliness of any weed <br />control operation is essential. Contact Colorado State University Cooperative Extension for herbiude <br />recommendations and best time for weed control. Weeds will need to be controlled by mowing or herbicides until <br />the grasses are established, usually the nrst four years after planting for native species (two years far introduced <br />species). Once established, fhe grass can withstand tranlc and grazing. <br />COOLEY RESERVOIR MIX C <br />SPECIES VARLET( PLS. PERCENT FLS lAC <br />Tall wheatgrass Jost 11.0 100 ,11.0 <br />These are general recommen Cations ~.vhic~, should be tailored to each individual site according to future use, <br />length of desired establishment time, available water, etc. For furher inrormation, contact the Natural Resources <br />Conservation Service at (303) 659-4177. <br />THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPOR7UNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER <br />